The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975.
NYSERDA has been cited by the U.S. Department of Energy as being among the best government research organizations in North America, including others such as NASA.
Mission Statement
Advance innovative energy solutions in ways that improve New York's economy and environment.
Vision Statement
Serve as a catalyst – advancing energy innovation, technology, and investment; transforming New York's economy; and empowering people to choose clean and efficient energy as part of their everyday lives.
Core Values
Objectivity, integrity, public service, partnership, and innovation.
Board Governance
NYSERDA is governed by a board consisting of 13 members, including the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Chair of the Public Service Commission, and the President and CEO of the Power Authority of the State of New York, who serve ex officio. The remaining nine members are appointed by the Governor of the State of New York with the advice and consent of the Senate and include, as required by statute, an engineer or research scientist, an economist, an environmentalist, a consumer advocate, an officer of a gas utility, an officer of an electric utility, and three at-large members.
Funding
NYSERDA is primarily funded by state ratepayers through the System Benefits Charge (SBC), which was established on May 20, 1996. These funds are allocated toward energy-efficiency programs, research and development initiatives, low-income energy programs, and environmental disclosure activities. The SBC was extended most recently until December 31, 2016.
Customers of the following utilities pay into the SBC:
- Central Hudson (Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation)
- Con Edison (Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.)
- National Fuel (National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation)
- National Grid (Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation)
- National Grid-Long Island (KeySpan Gas East Corporation)
- National Grid New York (Brooklyn Union Gas Company)
- NYSEG (New York State Electric and Gas Corporation)
- Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
- RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation)
To determine if you are paying into the SBC, look at a recent bill from your utility company to see if “SBC” or “RPS” is listed as a charge. If need assistance determining whether you pay into the SBC, contact NYSERDA at 1-866-NYSERDA.
Utility customers that do not pay into the SBC may still be eligible for NYSERDA programs. Contact NYSERDA at 1-866-NYSERDA to determine if any energy efficiency programs are available to you.
History
NYSERDA was created in 1975 under Article 8, Title 9 [PDF] and Title 9A [PDF] of the State Public Authorities Law through the reconstitution of the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority. NYSERDA’s earliest efforts focused solely on research and development with the goal of reducing the State’s petroleum consumption. Today, NYSERDA’s aim is to help New York State meet its energy goals: promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources, grow the clean energy economy, and protect the environment.
For More Information
For contact information and office locations, please visit our Contacts page.