New York solar industry development and jobs act of 2011

38 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Tony Avella
• Greg Ball
• John J. Bonacic
• Neil D. Breslin
• David Carlucci
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Thomas K. Duane
• Adriano Espaillat
• Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.
• Michael Gianaris
• Mark Grisanti
• Kemp Hannon
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Shirley L. Huntley
• Owen H. Johnson
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• Jeffrey D. Klein
• Liz Krueger
• Andrew J. Lanza
• Kenneth P. LaValle
• Carl L. Marcellino
• Jack M. Martins
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Michael F. Nozzolio
• Suzi Oppenheimer
• Kevin S. Parker
• Bill Perkins
• Patty Ritchie
• Gustavo Rivera
• Joseph E. Robach
• John L. Sampson
• Diane J. Savino
• José M. Serrano
• Daniel L. Squadron
• Andrea Stewart-Cousins
• David J. Valesky
• Lee M. Zeldin

BILL NUMBER:S4178A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law and the public authorities law, in relation to the creation of the New York solar industry development and jobs act of 2011 and the procurement of solar renewable energy credits; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

The purpose of this legislation is to allow for the creation of a solar renewable energy credit program to stimulate the installation of solar projects in New York State, and most importantly, create thousands of good paying jobs in the process.

Summary of provisions

This bill adds a new Section 66-m to the Public service law. It also adds a new subdivision 19 to section 1005 of the public authorities law, and Sections 1020-hh, 1020-ii and 1020-jj of the public authorities law, as renumbered by chapter 433 of the laws of 2009, are renumbered sections 1020-ii, 1020-jj, 1020-kk and a new section 1020-hh.

o Creates a Solar Renewable Energy Credit system in New York, to create jobs and incentivize investment.

o Defines appropriate terms and clarifies legislative intent.

o Requires compliance with prevailing wage protections for projects of 75 kilowatts or greater.

o Applies a "Buy American Standard" to ensure that an escalating percentage of solar panels and other component parts, must be made in the United States.

o Establishes a compliance schedule between 2012-2025 for investor owned utilities, the Long Island power Authority and the New York power Authority for the purchase of Solar Renewable energy credits.

o Provides for the establishment of a solar renewable energy credit tracking system.

o Requires Investor owned utilities to purchase at least 40 percent of their credits from their service territory.

o Establishes a 1% cost cap in terms of impact on retail electricity sales revenue, and allows the program to pause at the current compliance level, if the cap is reached, until a proceeding of the Public Service Commission determines that the situation should change.

o Provides for reporting requirements the legislature on the specific goals achieved by the program.

Justification

This legislation creates the Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program, which is designed to stimulate the installation and generation of solar energy in New York State. A Renewable Energy Credit model provides investment stability through long term contracts and competitive bidding in open auctions. Even more importantly, this bill will incentivize the creation of jobs, and the growth of a new industry in New York. The Success of the Solar program in New Jersey has demonstrated that this process can work effectively, create jobs and limit cost impact on ratepayers.

This bill will also serve through its "Buy American" and its "New York Component Incentive" to stimulate solar manufacturing and production in New York State and the United States, all while reducing our dependency on foreign sources of fuel, and creating over 2,000 megawatts of green energy.

Legislative history

S.7093B or 2010, Referred to Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that this act shall expire and be deemed repealed on the date the Commissioner of the public Service Commission notifies the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission of the occurrence of the implementation of a substantively similar federal program.