New York state has launched a new programme to accelerate its procurement of renewable energy capacity.
The new large-scale renewable energy procurement programme, Competitive Tier 2, has been launched by the State governor Andrew Cuomo.
The goal is to retain New York’s existing renewable energy resources, promote lower statewide carbon emissions and help support the state’s economic recovery by increasing in-state competition and reducing energy costs.
Competitive Tier 2 will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The programme will ensure the state’s existing baseline renewable energy generation is retained through three annual solicitations, in parallel with NYSERDA’s other solicitations for new large-scale, land-based and offshore wind projects.
In its first Competitive Tier 2 solicitation, NYSERDA is seeking proposals from existing privately-owned hydropower and land-based wind generators in New York State that entered commercial operation prior to January 1, 2015.
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The procurement approach is expected to increase the amount of locally-produced renewable energy under contract with New York State, promote greater in-state competition to help the State achieve the lowest possible cost of renewable energy for New Yorkers, and allow Community Choice Aggregations to continue to voluntarily participate in the market.
In October, the New York State Public Service Commission approved an Order directing NYSERDA to create the competitive Tier 2 programme as part of an expansion of the landmark Clean Energy Standard.
Governor Cuomo has set a goal to obtain 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 as mandated in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Governor Cuomo said: “With our nation-leading initiatives, New York is taking incredible steps to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our use of renewable energies.
“Keeping renewable energy in New York expands our economy, giving added momentum to our efforts to build back better and stronger. New York has been at the forefront of the fight against climate change and we will continue to be an example of how this fight can be won.”
NYSERDA acting CEO, Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Cuomo is ensuring New York is using every tool at its disposal to accelerate our progress towards the State’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals while harnessing the power of clean energy to help build back our economy. This new program will diversify our energy mix and incentivize resources to continue operation and keep their renewable energy here in New York State.”
Gavin Donohue, president of the Independent Power Producers of New York, reiterates: “Preserving our existing renewable energy facilities is imperative to building our green economy and a new energy future. Valuing their economic benefits will provide much-needed stability. We applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing the need to support these resources as a critical baseline as New York’s generator community continues to invest so our state can build back better.”
