Establishes the New York state voltage regulation pilot program

1 Co-sponsor

• Bill Perkins

BILL NUMBER:S1177

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to New York state voltage regulation pilot program

Purpose

To establish the New York state voltage regulation pilot program.

Summary of provisions

Section 66 of the public service law is amended by adding a new subsection 66-m voltage regulation pilot program. This subsection provides for the establishment of a pilot program promoting energy conservation through voltage regulation. The pilot program would also allow utilities to recoup their capital and operating costs for qualified voltage regulation equipment from their rate base.

Section two of the bill requires the Public Service Commission, in consultation with NYSERDA, to study the effects of the voltage regulation conservation pilot program upon the environment and the public.

Justification

Currently, most utilities send out more energy over the power lines than is actually needed by customers, due to the design of the grid. This is done because energy is lost throughout the transmission system and utilities have to insure that the last customer on the line still receives the necessary amount of energy.

According to the US Department of Energy, approximately sixty-seven percent of the energy in the form of electricity is wasted from the point where it is generated and enters the electrical grid, to the point where a consumer uses the electricity.

However, recent technological advances have made it possible to dynamically manage voltage at the point of consumption, substantially lowering energy consumption, and improving power quality.

Legislative history

2009-2010: S.6130/A.9163 - Referred to Energy & Telecommunications/ Referred to Energy

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, with provisions.