The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget (Enactment) significantly expands NYPA’s role in the clean energy sector. The Enactment amended the Power Authority Act to give NYPA additional authority to develop, own, and operate new renewable energy generation projects, including partnering with private entities to leverage expertise and resources. More information about NYPA’s strategy can be found in its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan. The Enactment mandates four additional bodies of work. NYPA has established the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program to provide bill credits for low- and moderate-income ratepayers in disadvantaged communities. NYPA is furthering its investment in New York communities by supporting workforce training programs for the clean energy jobs of the future, providing up to $25 million annually. NYPA is also mandated to deactivate small natural gas power plants located in New York City and Long Island by the end of 2030, as long as reliability and environmental conditions are met. In addition, NYPA was asked to lead the Decarbonization Leadership Program and create action plans to reduce emissions at fifteen of the state’s highest-polluting facilities.
NYPA's Additional Responsibilities
NYPA was granted authority to work with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program to provide renewable energy bill credits to low-income New Yorkers.
NYPA was authorized, as determined to be feasible and advisable by its Board of Trustees, to invest up to $25 million annually in workforce training.
As part of its expanded responsibilities, NYPA has developed a comprehensive Transition Plan to deactivate its seven small natural gas power plants located in New York City and Long Island by the end of 2030 if environmental and reliability conditions are met.
In addition to its expanded authority, NYPA has been given the responsibility to lead the Decarbonization Leadership Program, a decarbonization and electrification initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in October 2023.
Renewable Energy Access and Community Help
Workforce Development
Small Natural Gas Power Plants
Decarbonization Leadership Program
NYPA was granted authority to work with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program to provide renewable energy bill credits to low-income New Yorkers.
NYPA was authorized, as determined to be feasible and advisable by its Board of Trustees, to invest up to $25 million annually in workforce training.
As part of its expanded responsibilities, NYPA has developed a comprehensive Transition Plan to deactivate its seven small natural gas power plants located in New York City and Long Island by the end of 2030 if environmental and reliability conditions are met.
In addition to its expanded authority, NYPA has been given the responsibility to lead the Decarbonization Leadership Program, a decarbonization and electrification initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in October 2023.
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March: NYPA acquires full ownership of its first renewable generation project under its expanded authority, a 20-megawatt solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County. NYPA's Board of Trustees approves nearly $4 million in funding for clean energy workforce training and development programs, bringing the total amount allocated since May 2024 to $25 million.
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January: Board of Trustees approves NYPA's first strategic plan for expanding renewable energy sources, with 37 potential projects that represent a combined capacity of more than 3 gigawatts.
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December: Workforce training funding exceeds $20.6 million.
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November: Hosts NYPA Renewables Strategic Plan public hearings across the State.
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October: NYPA released Draft Renewables Strategic Plan and 2024 Conferral Report. Board of Trustees approves formation of subsidiary for renewable generation development. Workforce training funding tops $12 million, and PSC approves NYPA's Renewable Energy Access and Community Help Program (REACH).
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August: NYPA qualifies an additional five renewable developers and investors to collaborate on renewable energy generation projects. View the list here.
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July: NYPA issues Clean Energy Workforce Training RFP to qualify vendors who can build or expand New York’s training infrastructure and capacity to develop and deliver clean energy technical training, hands-on experience, and job placement assistance to new and existing workers.
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May: NYPA pre-qualified 79 renewable developers and investors to collaborate on renewable energy generation projects. View the list here.
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May: NYPA issued its report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a REACH-like program for municipal distribution utilities and rural electric cooperatives.
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April: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) closed and NYPA received more than 85 responses to the RFQ meant to pre-qualify renewable development companies and investors that meet requirements to collaborate with NYPA on the development of renewable energy generating projects, including solar photovoltaic, wind, battery storage, green hydrogen, geothermal, and renewable-related transmission.
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March: NYPA issued a Request for Qualifications intended to pre-qualify potential renewable project developers and investors for future partnerships on renewable energy projects.
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February: Request for Information (RFI) responses due to NYPA.
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January: NYPA filed a petition with the state Public Service Commission to establish the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program to provide renewable energy bill credits to low-income New Yorkers.
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January: RFI issued to private industry to understand potential interest and opportunities for NYPA to collaborate with renewable developers.
2023:
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August: NYPA begins its first annual conferral process on the state’s progress toward achieving Climate Act goals, the timing of renewable projects in the New York Independent System Operator interconnection process, and NYPA’s proposed role in developing new renewable generation.
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September: NYPA expands its executive leadership team to meet New York’s bold energy goals.
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October: Governor Hochul launches the Decarbonization Leadership Program, and charges NYPA with developing energy and emissions profiles of the state’s largest carbon-emitting facilities, as well as decarbonization action plans that will guide state agencies on facility improvements to reduce carbon emissions.
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October: NYPA names Vennela Yadhati as its first Vice President to lead renewable project development.
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November: NYPA completes its first annual conferral process. NYPA spoke with more than 50 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and received insightful feedback on the state’s progress toward achieving Climate Act goals, the timing of renewable projects in the New York Independent System Operator interconnection process, and NYPA’s proposed role in developing new renewable generation.
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November: NYPA publishes Conferral Report.
- 03/26/25: NYPA Trustees Approve $4 Million to Support Workforce Training Initiatives throughout New York State
- 10/08/2024: NYPA Releases Draft Strategic Plan for New Renewable Energy Generation for Public Comment
- 05/21/2024: New York Power Authority Pre-Qualifies 79 Renewable Developers and Investors for Collaboration Opportunities
- 03/12/2024: New York Power Authority Issues RFQ on Renewable Energy Development Opportunities in New York State
- 01/31/2024: NYPA Petitions Public Service Commission to Establish Renewable Energy Access and Community Help Program
- 01/12/2024: New York Power Authority Issues RFI on Renewable Energy Development Opportunities in New York State
- 11/01/2023: New York Power Authority Completes Formal Conferral Listening Sessions with Renewable Energy Stakeholders
- 10/10/2023: Governor Hochul Announces Decarbonizaton Leadership Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions at State Facilities
- 09/15/2023: New York Power Authority Expands Executive Leadership Team to Meet New York’s Bold Energy Goals