New York’s Clean Energy Standard (CES) is designed to fight climate change, reduce harmful air pollution, and ensure a diverse and reliable low carbon energy supply. To help achieve these goals, Governor Cuomo has called for the expansion of the CES so that 70 percent of New York's electricity comes from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind by 2030 as part of his clean energy and jobs agenda codified under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) . By focusing on low carbon energy sources, the CES will bring investment, economic development, and jobs to New York State.

Turning Targets into Reality

The CES creates two mechanisms to turn New York State’s ambitious clean energy goal into a reality. Together the renewable energy standard (RES)The Renewable Energy Standard (RES) –
A part of the Clean Energy Standard. The RES has three parts: Tier 1 obligation for utilities and other LSEs; Tier 2 obligation for older generators in financial risk; and a third, new program focused on offshore wind resources. and the zero-emissions credit (ZEC) requirement Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) –
A credit for generating one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity with zero-emissions (no carbon) attributes that is consumed by a retail customer in New York State. will help create a low carbon energy system.

• The RES requires every load serving entity (LSE)Load Serving Entity (LSE) –
  These are often called utilities or electric companies, but LSEs include any entity or organization: utilities, municipal electric systems and electric cooperatives, authorized or required to supply energy or energy-related services to retail customers. in New York State to procure renewable energy credits (RECs)Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) –
  A certificate that is proof that one MWh of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource. associated with new renewable energy resources—known as Tier 1—for their retail customers. If LSEs cannot demonstrate they are meeting the Tier 1 obligation through the possession of RECs, they may make alternative compliance payments (ACPs).
• The ZEC requirement mandates the LSEs procure ZECs from NYSERDA. The number of ZECs is based on each LSE’s proportionate amount of statewide load, or energy demanded, in a given compliance year.

In addition to these programs, NYSERDA is also advancing offshore wind energy projects through its Offshore Wind Program. NYSERDA also works with its State partners and local communities to rapidly advance new “Build-Ready” projects, prioritizing the development of existing or abandoned commercial sites, brownfields, landfills, former industrial sites, and other abandoned or underutilized sites.

The New York Generation Attribute Tracking System (NYGATS) will record and track information on electricity generated, imported, and consumed within New York State. Additionally, NYGATS will demonstrate LSE compliance with, and progress toward, the CES goal.

LSEs that elect to purchase RECs or that are required to purchase ZECs from NYSERDA can find additional information in REC and ZEC Purchasers.