NYSERDA Granted Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Funding

August 21, 2009

Albany, NY – Francis J. Murray, Jr. President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority today lauded the support of the state Public Service Commission to increase the State’s development and use of renewable energy resources. Yesterday, the PSC approved approximately $95 million in funding for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to develop large–scale renewable energy projects, including wind, biomass, and run–of–river hydroelectric projects. NYSERDA administers the RPS program on behalf of the Commission.

“Investing in renewable energy resources is a critical component to achieving the goals of Governor David Paterson’s clean energy agenda,” said Murray. “The funding from the Public Service Commission will help us continue our diligent efforts to increase renewable energy generation and create clean-energy jobs in New York State.”

As the Commission noted, to date, New York’s RPS program has resulted in the construction and operation of approximately 1,200 MW of new wind capacity. The RPS program, through Main Tier procurements, has also increased the penetration of hydroelectric and biomass resources.

The PSC also approved $24.4 million in funding for an electric and natural gas energy efficiency program to improve the energy efficiency of large–scale industrial customers. National Grid will administer an electric energy efficiency program and NYSERDA will administer a natural gas program. “We appreciate the continued support of these energy efficiency programs,” said Murray. “Working together with the Commission and National Grid, we can truly make an impact to help large-scale industrial customers reduce energy costs and focus those savings toward more important areas of their business.”

NYSERDA’s program will focus on key manufacturing sectors in New York such as: chemicals and pharmaceuticals, printing and publishing, automotive, food processing, and forest products. Data centers are also included since their energy use profile is similar to manufacturing. In addition, agriculture, mining, extraction, and water and wastewater facilities will be targeted because they have process–oriented operations. Incentives will be available for both electric and gas energy efficiency projects in all of these sectors to reduce the energy used per unit of production.

“We appreciate Chairman Garry Brown and the Commissioners’ efforts to move these programs to operation. We look forward to working with the Commission and furthering our efforts toward making New York State more energy independent through the generation and use of clean, renewable energy resources and energy efficiency practices.”

Please visit www.dps.state.ny.us  for a copy of the Public Service Commission’s press release.

CONTACT:

Raymond Hull, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext. 3356
rwh@nyserda.ny.gov