State Energy Planning Board Meeting Announced

Supports Grid Modernization to Meet Energy Demands of Economic Growth

October 8, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that the New York State Energy Planning Board (Board) will meet on December 9. This convening of the Board will kick off the new Energy Infrastructure Development Plan (EIDP) process as part of the ongoing New York State Energy Plan work to provide an actionable plan for the infrastructure that New York needs to modernize its power grid and keep pace with the energy demands of economic growth. Today’s announcement supports Governor Hochul’s Climate Week directive as part of her Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda to advance affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy within New York State.

NYSERDA President and CEO and Chair of the State Energy Planning Board Doreen M. Harris said, “As chair of the State Energy Planning Board, I look forward to convening the Board to execute the comprehensive and holistic planning needed to address New York’s energy needs and support grid modernization. Governor Hochul’s plan to embed infrastructure investment planning via the EIDP into the overall State Energy Plan process allows for a coordinated, integrated, cost-effective and data informed approach to the Governor’s all-of-the-above energy resource development – which will drive smart investment decisions and spur economic growth.”

New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “The State Energy Planning process is working to ensure New Yorkers can rely on an affordable, safe, and reliable energy future for decades to come. This new chapter in New York’s infrastructure development planning story pushed by Governor Hochul builds on the success of other state energy initiatives, including the Coordinated Grid Planning Process, Clean Energy Zones, long-term gas planning, and Proactive Planning proceedings. Through the EIDP, the State will be positioned to bring more energy resources online, with a focus on affordability, at the pace this moment demands, while supporting the businesses and communities alike.”

New York Independent System Operator President and CEO Rich Dewey said, “New York’s electric system is at a pivotal point. Electricity demand is growing, existing resources are aging, and the grid must continue to support the State’s economic development and energy policy goals. A coordinated, transparent planning process grounded in reliable forecasts and rigorous analysis can help identify the generation, transmission, storage and other resources needed to maintain reliability. NYISO looks forward to bringing its independent expertise and system-planning work to this important effort.”

The New York State Energy Plan has provided the foundation for resource development over time to meet energy, environmental and economic policy needs, the EIDP will take that a step further to steer energy system investments over the coming decades. New Yorkers depend on reliable electricity to run critical infrastructure, keep lights on and homes and workplaces comfortable, and power the economy. This new type of planning can ensure cost-effective investments – made in the right places and at the right times – to generate and deliver reliable, affordable electricity. Communities also will benefit from cleaner air and jobs as clean energy infrastructure projects are planned and constructed across the state.

Through this new approach the State Energy Planning Board will advance an energy system that:

• Cost-effectively meets energy system requirements, customer needs, and State policy goals;
• Leverages the tools available to the State including neighborhood-scale alternatives, distributed solar, and energy storage; and
• Coordinates the development of new utility-scale clean generation and transmission.

The EIDP will build on and utilize data and recommendations from previous efforts advanced through the State Energy Plan, Public Service Commission proceedings, and New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) activities including:

• State Energy Plan Pathways Analysis which shows how the State’s energy supply and delivery systems must be prepared to meet forecasted energy needs through 2040, under multiple future energy pathways;
• Coordinated Grid Planning Process that identified cost-effective grid upgrades needed to support future energy demand and supply;
• Clean Energy Zones work which is designed to identify where grid upgrades can support new clean power; and
• Reliability Needs Assessment, quarterly Short-Term Assessment of Reliability, and other work that identifies where solutions are needed to ensure reliability.

The new process will also establish coordination checkpoints with ongoing planning processes, such as the NYISO’s Comprehensive System Planning Process, especially during the development of assumptions and demand forecasts. Additionally, the analytic approach will comprehensively assess risk from factors such as fuel price volatility, extreme weather events, siting conflicts, capital cost increases, and changes in consumer preferences. Taking a phased approach in successive planning cycles, the EIDP will increasingly integrate planning for the electric bulk power and distribution systems, and coordinate with needs in gas systems.

The Board and supporting State agency staff will establish a transparent process to develop and release an interim plan in 2027 and finalize the first comprehensive Energy Infrastructure Development Plan by December 2029. The process will include multiple opportunities for energy industry stakeholders and the public to engage and provide input.

The Board meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 9, 2026 at the Albany Capital Center, Meeting Room 2B/2C at 55 Eagle Street, Albany, New York . The meeting is open to the public for listening, both virtually and in-person. Registration for in-person attendance is required due to limited capacity.

State Senator Kevin Parker said, “New York cannot build the energy system of tomorrow without making sure it works for the people who live here today. The Energy Infrastructure Development Plan gives us an opportunity to modernize our grid, strengthen reliability, and support economic growth while keeping affordability and ratepayer protection at the center of every investment. As we plan for increased energy demand, we must make sure communities are not simply asked to host new infrastructure; they must see the benefits through cleaner air, good-paying jobs, stronger local economies, and more reliable and affordable energy. This process must be transparent, data-driven, and inclusive of ratepayers, workers, communities, and the energy industry. We have an opportunity to build a stronger grid and a stronger New York economy at the same time. Our energy future must be reliable, affordable, clean, and built to serve every New Yorker.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “As the only elected official on the New York State Energy Planning Board, I know how important it is for us to have a State Energy Plan that reflects the priorities of constituents and communities – energy affordability, grid reliability and transparency. I look forward to participating in the next Energy Planning Board meeting kicking off this new Energy Infrastructure Development Plan, to develop the roadmap to keep the lights on while lowering energy costs for New Yorkers.”

CHARGE Agenda

The Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda is a comprehensive plan to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers while achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid. The five-pronged strategy focuses on driving down consumer costs, holding energy companies accountable, building clean energy at scale, modernizing the state's aging grid, and growing a clean economy with family-sustaining jobs. Through bold initiatives like the Ratepayer Protection Plan, historic transmission buildouts, and a new 8.4-gigawatt "Nuclear Backbone," the CHARGE agenda ensures an affordable, resilient, and self-sufficient energy future that prioritizes everyday ratepayers while building a cleaner, more sustainable New York.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov.