Relates to shared renewable energy facilities

2 Co-sponsors

• Kevin S. Parker
• John L. Sampson

BILL NUMBER:S5280

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to shared renewable energy facilities

Purpose

To establish a shared renewable energy program that increases access to and accelerates development of renewable energy, by enabling electric customers to subscribe to a shared renewable energy facility and receive associated benefits through their utility bill.

Summary of specific provisions

Subsection 1 provides necessary definitions. Definitions are based upon the "subscription" model in order to properly frame the interactions between an electric customer and a shared renewable energy facility, as well as to define the parameters of these arrangements.

Subsection 2 provides provisions for determining the output of a shared renewable energy facility and the quantity of bill credits available to each subscriber based upon its subscription to the facility.

Subsection 3 pertains to the communications of a subscriber organization with the electric corporation. It also outlines dispute resolution procedures.

Subsection 4 provides for the application of a bill credit to a subscriber's electric account in accordance with the terms of the subscription to the shared renewable energy facility, and provides that a customer's rate schedule may not change based on participation in a shared renewable energy facility. It also outlines how electric corporations shall address billing infrastructure for shared renewable energy facilities and provides for full recovery of program implementation costs.

Subsection 5 provides for the calculation of bill credits and the value therein.

Subsection 6 provides safety standards to be established by each electric corporation necessary for safe and adequate service.

Justification

The vast majority of electricity customers are unable to install renewable energy systems on their property due to various impediments, including unsuitable physical characteristics, or because they rent their residence or place of business. Shared renewable energy programs provide the opportunity for electric customers to invest in shared renewable energy facilities and receive the associated tangible economic benefits via their utility bill. Unlocking this new market will unleash new private investment in clean energy in New York.

The generation of renewable energy within New York provides significant financial, health, environmental, and workforce benefits

to the State of New York, reduces greenhouse gases, and promotes energy independence, security, and grid resiliency. For these reasons, it is important to ensure that all New Yorkers are provided an opportunity to participate in renewable energy generation.

New York's renewable energy initiatives have been successful in advancing renewable energy development and creating new energy jobs. Yet in order to meet the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard targets and further establish New York as a competitive leader on energy, it is necessary to accelerate development through innovative mechanisms. This shared renewable energy program seeks to build on New York's existing initiatives by expanding access to renewable energy resources to all energy customers who are currently unable to access the benefits of onsite renewable energy generation.

This shared renewable energy program draws on best practices established by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and lessons learned from other states. It aims to make it simple and attractive for customers to invest in renewable energy generation while compensating electric corporations for the services they provide.

Effective date

Immediately.