Bulk Energy Storage Program
The Bulk Energy Storage program aims to safely and cost-effectively deploy 3 gigawatts of bulk energy storage by 2030, establishing a transparent blueprint for broader adoption. The program uses the nation’s first Index Storage Credit (ISC) model—an innovative incentive indexed to wholesale energy and capacity markets that provides developers the revenue certainty to finance and construct bulk energy storage projects. Authorized by the New York Public Service Commission and funded by New York utility ratepayers, the program prioritizes downstate communities with the greatest reliability needs and is designed to still deliver system-wide reliability and cost saving benefits to ratepayers.
Key Program Benefits
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Strengthen grid reliability. Bulk storage adds capacity where New York needs it most—with priority given to downstate zones with the greatest reliability pressures. -
Make projects bankable. The Index Storage Credit closes the “missing money” gap, giving developers revenue certainty to secure financing. -
Control ratepayer impacts. ISC payments are reduced when wholesale market costs rise, so ratepayers only cover what a project needs to be financeable and continue providing benefits to the grid.
How the Index Storage Credit Works
Developers propose a Strike Price which is based on the revenue required for the project to be financially viable. The Index Storage Credit consists of the difference between the Strike Price and a Reference Price that approximates how much the project could have earned in NYISO’s energy and capacity markets. If the Strike Price exceeds the Reference Price, NYSERDA pays the developer the difference. If the reverse is true, the developer owes NYSERDA back. This way, the ISC operates to provide only the “missing money” needed to make the project bankable, thereby protecting ratepayers.
How Program Procurements Work
Apply. During an open solicitation, developers submit a Step One Eligibility Application for a bulk energy storage project. NYSERDA advances all eligible projects to Step Two.
Bid. Developers submit a Step Two Bid Proposal. Non-price project characteristics are scored by NYSERDA, the Department of Public Service, and independent evaluators. Project price is scored by NYSERDA using a standardized methodology.
Award. The most competitive projects will be selected and NYSERDA will enter into long-term contracts for the purchase of Index Storage Credits.
Develop. Developers advance the project through project development, construction, and operation. All projects must complete the steps outlined in the Program Manual to begin operating.
Operate and earn. Once operational and available, the project begins generating Index Storage Credits and receives payments from NYSERDA.
How To Apply
- Review the open solicitation. Confirm your eligibility and requirements for the current RFP on the solicitations page.
- Submit your application. Apply directly
through NYSERDA’s Accion Group PowerPro solicitation platform. - Watch for confirmation. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email if advanced to submit a bid proposal.
Solicitations
NYSERDA runs competitive solicitations for its Bulk Energy Storage Program, awarding Index Storage Credit (ISC) contracts to utility-scale energy storage developers throughout New York State.
Contracted Projects
Explore contracted statewide bulk energy storage projects awarded through the ISC program, which, once operational, will add 950 MW of new energy storage capacity.
Bulk Energy Storage by the Numbers: Contracted Projects
Spurred in private investment in New York State
Jobs created by these projects across New York State
Expected in direct benefits to disadvantaged communities
* Numbers are for the first ISC procurement and do not include the Bulk 1.0 projects.
Bulk Energy Storage Program Resources
Learn more about the ISC, the program’s implementation plan, and the Program Manual.
Resources and Relevant Documents
- Our Quality Assurance (QA) program is responsible for inspecting a percentage of all the Energy Storage projects. We have developed the Standards and Quality Assurance Policy and Procedure Manual [PDF] to help you comply with the QA program.
- On November 5th, 2025, NYSERDA filed an updated Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual [PDF] with the Public Service Commission.
- On June 12, 2025, NYSERDA filed the original Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual with the Public Service Commission.
- On April 18, 2025, NYSERDA submitted the Bulk Energy Storage Final Implementation Plan to the Public Service Commission.
- On March 21, 2025 the Commission issued an Order Approving Bulk Implementation Plan with Modifications [PDF].
- Access a recording from the Bulk Energy Storage Program webinar NYSERDA held for interested parties in December 2024.
- NYSERDA submitted its Implementation Plan Proposal [PDF] for public comment and review in October 2024.
- The New York Public Service Commission approved the Order Establishing Updated Energy Storage Goal and Deployment Policy [PDF]in June 2024.
- In December 2022, NYSERDA and the Department of Public Service released New York's 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap [PDF].
Proposer’s Webinar
On August 13th, 2025, NYSERDA held a webinar for Proposers. In this webinar, NYSERDA reviewed Step One Eligibility Application and Step Two Bid Proposal submission guidance, the Standard Form Agreement, and the Program Manual.
Host Communities’ Webinar
On January 21, 2026, NYSERDA held a webinar for local governments that may be hosting proposed bulk energy storage projects. In this webinar, NYSERDA reviewed energy storage concepts and technologies; ISCRFP25-1 timelines and information; and important local planning, zoning, and fire safety considerations.
Draft ISCRFP25-1
NYSERDA invited stakeholders to review and comment on the proposed content and timing of ISCRFP25-1 and the accompanying Draft Standard Form Agreement and Draft Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual. Responses to the Draft ISCRFP25-1, Draft Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual, and Draft Appendix A were due to NYSERDA on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Responses to the Draft ISC Standard Form Agreement were due to NYSERDA on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Peer Review Resources
The 2025 NYS Fire Code (FCNYS) requires that all battery energy storage system (BESS) installations exceeding established capacity thresholds are peer reviewed to ensure code compliance for upcoming projects. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) often lack the resources or expertise to evaluate critical BESS permitting documents which contain technical data that drives important siting requirements. Projects procured under NYSERDA’s retail and bulk energy storage programs are required to go through NYSERDA’s peer review process. The process will be conducted by vetted, qualified experts for applicable BESS installations. This process will assist local AHJs in their review of BESS permit applications and their compliance with existing fire code requirements.
AHJs in New York State still retain the legal authority to review, approve, and permit projects. Code enforcement officials will benefit from accessing and understanding these documents to create smart, critical alignment with the NYSERDA Peer Review Team. Further, AHJs can leverage these resources to develop a deeper understanding of project design details that are relevant to code compliance.
Market Acceleration Bridge Incentive Program Resources
NYSERDA’s preceding bulk energy storage program, the Market Acceleration Bridge Incentive Program (MABI), is closed. You can view MABI program materials in the drop down sections below.
Program Manual
- Program Manual [PDF]
Project Application Guidance
Quality Assurance Reference Guides
Our Quality Assurance (QA) program is responsible for inspecting a percentage of all the Energy Storage projects. We have developed the following guidance documents to help you comply with the QA program.
- Standards and Quality Assurance Policy and Procedure Manual [PDF]
- SQA Inspection Training Video
- What to Expect When Inspected [PDF]
Field Inspection Reference:
Portal Reference Guides:
- How to Respond to a CAR [PDF]
- How to Respond to a Photo Request [PDF]
- How to Navigate to a Project Inspection [PDF]
- Standards and Quality Assurance Salesforce Platform User Guide [PDF]
Webinar Presentations
6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap: Disadvantaged Communities Benefits Stakeholder Webinar – March 16, 2023
6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap: Bulk Storage Overview Webinar – February 28, 2023
Bulk Energy Storage Incentive Program – May 2, 2019
You Might Also Be Interested In
- Interagency Fire Safety Working Group: Learn how the FSWG develops and refines standards and inspects current energy storage projects to ensure battery technologies are safely integrated into New York’s energy systems.
- New York’s Utility Scale Storage Data: Explore a map of installed energy storage capacity, number of projects and annual trends for all of New York since 1990.
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