Relates to energy-related projects, programs and services of the power authority of the state of New York

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, relating to energy-related projects, programs and services of the power authority of the state of New York

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to: (i) make a technical correction to the language of Public Authorities Law ("PAL") § 1005(17)(a); (ii) update the reference in this paragraph to the power programs of the New York Power Authority ("NYPA"); (iii) clarify that NYPA is authorized to provide the benefits referenced in this paragraph to NYPA customers purchasing power outside the power programs specifically listed in this paragraph; and (iv) clarify NYPA's authority regarding energy-related projects, programs and services under PAL § 1005(17).

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill would:

1) make a technical correction to the language of PAL § 1005(17)(a);

2) eliminate the reference in paragraph (a) of subdivision 17 of PAL § 1005 to the "Power for Jobs" program which no longer exists;

3) clarify that NYPA may provide the benefits listed in paragraph (a) of subdivision 17 of PAL § 1005 to any of its power customers, and not just customers who purchase power under the programs specifically listed in this paragraph.

Section 2 of the bill would amend the definition of "energy-related projects, programs and services" to clarify that such definition includes energy management, distribution and control projects and services.

Section 3 of the bill would make it effective immediately.

Justification

Section 1 of the bill would make a technical correction to PAL § 1005(17)(a), and update the reference in this paragraph to NYPA's power programs. One of the purposes of paragraph (a) is to authorize NYPA to provide the benefits listed in this paragraph to NYPA's power customers, in addition to other eligible entities. The existing language does not account for customers who purchase power from NYPA outside one of the listed programs, raising the issue of whether NYPA is authorized to provide benefits to such customers. The proposed amendment would close that gap.

Section 2 of the bill would amend the definition of "energy-related projects, programs and services" to clarify the scope of this term. NYPA has invested more than $2.2 billion in energy-efficiency projects at publicly-owned facilities in New York State since 1987, through direct implementation of projects and low-cost financing. Its energy services programs have resulted in more than 2,100 completed projects at more than 5,500 facilities, producing more than $179 million in annual taxpayer savings. Since their inception, these programs have reduced energy consumption in the State by 238 megawatts and prevented the emission of approximately 1,018,628 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. These successes have spawned requests that NYPA provide a broader array of energy-related projects, programs and services. The amendment to the definition of energy-related projects, programs and

services would serve to clarify that this term includes energy management, distribution, and control projects and services.

Legislative history

New.

Fiscal implications

The bill would have no impact on the State budget. The expanded portfolio of energy services NYPA expects to offer to State entities with the support of this bill should have positive budget impacts over the long term.

Effective date

The bill would be effective immediately.