Establishes the New York state voltage regulation pilot program

BILL NUMBER:S3241

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 56 of the public service law is amended by adding a new subsection 66-n 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 quali- fied 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 regu- lation conservation pilot program upon the environment and the public.

Section three This act shall take effect immediately; with provisions.

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 trans- mission 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 dynam- ically manage voltage at the point of consumption, substantially lower- ing energy consumption, and improving power quality.

Legislative history

2011-12: S.1177 Referred to Energy & Telecommuni- cations 2009-2010: S.6130/A.9163 - Referred to Energy Telecommuni- cations/ Referred to Energy

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, with provisions.