Creates the New York Farm-to-Urban Consumer Solar Access Act of 2016

3 Co-sponsors

• George Amedore
• David Carlucci
• Kathleen A. Marchione

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to the creation of the New York Farm-to-Urban Consumer Solar Access Act of 2016

Purpose

To further the growth of renewable energy by creating a shared solar program in New York State that would allow for the sharing of net metering credits for certain qualified customers.

Summary of provisions

Section 1-sets forth the legislative intent

Section 2 -sets forth the short title "This Act Shall be cited as the New York Farm-to-Urban Consumer solar access Act of 2016.

Section 3-Creates a new article 12 of the public service law to allow for shared solar, defines terms, outlines the parameters, describes benefits and limitations of the program allows for the Commission to suspend the program if, through a formal proceeding it is determined that the continued operation of the program is not in the public interest.

Section 4-Provides for severability

Section 5-this act shall take effect immediately

Justification

New York began to authorize net metering in 1997 with benefits tied to a single meter per utility customer. In 2011 these benefits were further expanded to include remote net metering, which allowed credits earned by a customer at any meter belonging to that customer to be applied to any and all utility bills that they paid. These important advancements, along with the adoption of sales tax exemptions for solar equipment, a tax credit for leases and the NYSUN program have helped to make New York a leader in solar energy. However, one critical component is still missing. All utility ratepayers pay the System Benefit Charge (SBC) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and other surcharges imposed by the Public Service Commission, but access to the benefits of solar energy are not available on an equal basis due to the up-front costs of installation, and as it relates to multi-family units the decision to install or not is in the hands of landlords. This bill would create a shared solar program in the state which would benefit farmers, not for profits and multi-family dwellings as well as installers and workers. It will help to drive green energy investment, create jobs, lower utility bills and improve our environment while providing equal access for all New Yorkers. This bill limits the customers who may access this program to multi-family dwellings, housing cooperatives, and rural communities located within a five mile radius of a farm operation. Locations for shared solar systems are limited to those that are located on a farm operation, on the premises of a not for profit or a landfill or brownfield. The program limits the size of the solar arrays that may be installed for the first three years and allows the Public Service Commission to discontinue the program should they determine that its continued operation is not in the public interest. With the construction of the Solar City plant in Buffalo, the excitement surrounding the Reforming our Energy Vision (REV) proceeding at the Public Service Commission and the potential economic and environmental benefits, this is the perfect time for New York State to authorize a shared solar energy program.

Legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately