Tier 4 REC Voluntary Sales

NYSERDA sells Tier 4 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) directly to any organization—no long-term commitment required. Tier 4 RECs represent renewable energy delivered directly into New York City via the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line, verified and tracked by New York State. Voluntary REC Sales are open to all organizations, from large corporations to small businesses and municipalities.

What Is a Tier 4 REC?

A Tier 4 REC is created when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of eligible renewable energy is generated and delivered into Zone J (New York City) of the New York Control Area, as verified by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). The energy source is renewable energy from Hydro-Québec, imported over the CHPE line. NYSERDA verifies generation, delivery, and environmental attributes.

Why Purchase Tier 4 RECs?

Tier 4 RECs serve several distinct compliance and voluntary needs:

Local Law 97 compliance. For NYC building owners subject to Local Law 97 (the Climate Mobilization Act), Tier 4 RECs are a recognized compliance mechanism—supporting your building's carbon reduction requirements while longer-term efficiency upgrades are planned or underway.

Scope 2 GHG reporting. Tier 4 RECs satisfy market-based Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting, giving organizations a credible, state-verified instrument for sustainability reporting.

Voluntary sustainability commitments. Any organization can use Tier 4 RECs to support clean energy generation specifically for New York City and demonstrate commitment to the State's renewable energy goals.

How to Participate

Registration is simple and there’s no long-term commitment required. Once registered, you can participate in any sale going forward.

1. Get a NYSERDA Customer Number [PDF]
2. Register for a NYGATS account
3. Contact NYSERDA to be a REC Sale Participant
4. Contact NYGATS admin to be a REC Sale Participant

Three Ways to Buy

Long-Term Contract For organizations seeking multi-year price certainty and volume commitments. NYSERDA negotiates contracts directly.

Annual Summer Sale (Pre-Sale) Held each Summer before the start of the next compliance year. NYSERDA publishes the Tier 4 REC price approximately one month prior (~July). RECs are delivered in February following the end of the compliance year.

Annual Spring Sale (Re-Sale) Held each Spring if NYSERDA has sufficient unsold inventory and demand warrants. NYSERDA publishes the price approximately two months prior (~March). NYSERDA consults with DPS Staff before initiating each Re-Sale.

For both annual sales:

• 14-day sale window
• Pro-rata allocation if demand exceeds supply
• Invoice within 7 business days
• Payment due within 30 calendar days

Pricing

• Long-term contracts: Net-weighted average cost of NYSERDA's Tier 4 REC inventory, plus any applicable administrative adder
• Summer Sale: NYSERDA-projected price, plus any applicable administrative adder, announced ~July each year
• Spring Sale: Net-weighted average cost of NYSERDA's Tier 4 REC inventory, plus any applicable administrative adder, announced ~March each year

Legal and Policy References

This program operates under the Order Approving Tier 4 Implementation Plan [PDF] filed June 13, 2025. Tier 4 RECs are tracked in NYGATS in accordance with the NYGATS Operating Rules.

Tier 4 Voluntary REC Sales FAQS

May any organization participate in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales?

Yes, NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales are open to all.

What requirements must be met to participate in Voluntary REC Sales?

All organizations must have a NYSERDA Customer Number as well as a New York Generation Attributes Tracking System (NYGATS) account. An organization must perform a one-time notice to both NYSERDA and NYGATS to opt-in to be a REC Sale Participant. More information on participation requirements can be found on the Tier 4 REC Voluntary Sale webpage.

Can Voluntary RECs be used for CES RES Compliance?

NO. The NY Tier 4 RECs purchased in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales cannot be used for CES RES Compliance.

Are the Tier 4 RECs available in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales compliant with Local Law 97?

Yes, they can be an affordable Local Law 97 option for buildings and organizations prior to completing energy efficiency upgrades. NYSERDA recommends you discuss the details of complying with Local Law 97 with the New York City Department of Buildings.

What renewable energy resources are the Tier 4 RECs available in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Salesprocured from? Can I request a specific resource of RECs?

NY Tier 4 RECs are sourced specifically from the eligible renewable generators associated with the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission line.

How does purchasing Tier 4 RECs from NYSERDA benefit organizations and the environment?

By buying Tier 4 RECs from NYSERDA, organizations are supporting New York State`s effort in both funding and bringing renewable energy directly to New York City as well as contributing to New York State meeting its clean energy goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Can organizations claim environmental benefits from purchasing Tier 1 RECs in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales?

Yes, organizations can claim the environmental attributes associated with the renewable energy production represented by the Tier 4 RECs purchased, aiding in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable energy practices in New York.

What are the bankability terms for the Tier 4 RECs purchased from NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales?

Tier 4 RECs purchased through NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales can be banked for future use indefinitely. However, for LL97 purposes, please refer to NYC Department of Buildings on the eligibility requirements in terms of the vintage year of the REC.

What transferability properties do the Tier 4 RECs sold in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales possess?

RECs purchased in NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales can be transferred to any account holder within NYGATS.

Where can I find vintage year specific, NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sale details?

For information relevant to a specific vintage year, NYSERDA Voluntary REC Sales such as price and volume:

2027 Voluntary Sales