Extends the provisions of the chapter

BILL NUMBER:S3915

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 410 of the laws of 2009, amending the state finance law relating to authorizing the aggregate purchases of energy for state agencies, institutions, local governments, public authorities and public benefit corporations, in relation to the effectiveness thereof

Purpose of bill

The purpose of this bill is to extend the sunset date for Chapter 410 of the Laws of 2009 from July 31, 2011 to July 31, 2015, to continue to authorize the Office of General Services (OGS) to make aggregate purchases of renewable energy on behalf of State agencies.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill would amend section 3, the effective date provision, of Chapter 410 of the Laws of 2009, to extend the sunset of Chapter 410 from July 31, 2011 to July 31, 2015.

Section 2 of the bill would provide an immediate effective date.

Existing law

Chapter 410 of the Laws of 2009 amended State Finance Law (SFL) 97-g(4) to (1) authorize OGS to purchase and deliver, as centralized services, renewable energy and renewable energy credits and attributes, along with electricity, from the New York Power Authority and other suppliers; and (2) clarify that OGS may supply to State agencies alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and compressed natural gas, for motor vehicle fleets. Chapter 410 is scheduled to expire July 31, 2011.

Prior legislative history

This is a new proposal.

Statement in support

The bill would continue OGS' existing authority to purchase and deliver, as centralized services, renewable energy and renewable energy credits and attributes, along with electricity, from the New York Power Authority and other suppliers. Rather than relying on the delivered price for such services from a servicing utility, the bill would allow OGS to leverage the value of aggregated purchasing by the State. OGS would effectuate these purchases through specific annual internal service fund appropriations. The benefitted State

agencies and institutions that receive such centralized services would continue to reimburse the internal service fund.

The bill would continue to clarify that OGS may supply to State agencies alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and compressed natural gas, for motor vehicle fleets. This allows the benefitted agency or institution to avoid expending resources on duplicative infrastructure to service alternative fueled vehicles.

Such purchasing by OGS creates efficiencies and cost savings for State government.

Budget implications

This bill is expected to result in savings for the State agencies, public benefit corporations and public authorities that engage in aggregate energy purchases.

Effective date

The bill would take effect immediately.