Relates to remote net energy metering

1 Co-sponsor

• Kevin S. Parker

BILL NUMBER:S2382

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to remote net energy metering

Purpose

To provide customers that own or operate a farm or a nonresidential customer-generator that locate fuel cell electric generating equipment with a net energy meter on such property the same benefits of those customers that locate micro-hydroelectric generating equipment, in relation to all or a portion of the net metering credits generated by such equipment to meters at any property owned or leased by such customer-generator within the service territory.

Summary of provisions

Amends subdivision 3 of section 66-j of the public service law by adding a new paragraph (g) that allows a customer who operates a farm operation or a non-residential customer-generator that locate fuel cell electric generating equipment with a net energy meter on property owned or leased by such customer-generator to designate all or a portion of the net metering credits generated by such equipment to meters at any property owned or leased by such customer-generator within the service territory of the same electric corporation to which the customer-generator's net energy meters are interconnected and being within the same load zone as determined by the location based marginal price as of the date of initial request by the customer-generator to conduct net metering. Addresses how the electric corporation will apply such credits and what will be done with any excess credits.

Existing law

Currently, fuel cells are not eligible for remote net metering.

Justification

Fuel cell electric generating technology have many advantages. Fuel cells commonly provide power to host facilities during power outages, enhancing storm response, and allowing critical facilities to remain operational in such events. The fuel flexibility of this technology unlocks a large portfolio of locally available fuels and the existing fuel infrastructure, which has the potential to increase the reliability of the power system and to keep more energy dollars in New York State. Fuel cells commonly provide power to host facilities during power outages, enhancing storm response, and allowing critical facilities to remain operational in such events. Fuel cells are exceptionally efficient, they can stretch available supplies of fuel, reduce energy costs and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The scalability and resiliency of fuel cells makes them suitable for a wide range of heat and power needs in electronics, homes, offices, and factories. In addition, this technology has a low impact on their surroundings, with near-silent operation and low emissions, making them suitable in locations where combustion systems may not be appropriate. Also, fuel cells can be used in conjunction with solar panels or wind farms to produce electricity when renewable energy is unavailable. The high capacity factors, fuel and efficiency, associated with this technology make it equal or superior to renewable technologies in the displacement of conventional fossil generation, leading to lower air emissions, including carbon.

For these reasons, such technologies should be treated equally to renewable technologies determining the eligibility of remote net metering.

Fiscal implications

None.

History

New bill.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.