New York

18 Apr 2022

Strengthening Small Farms and Their Communities Through Solar Farming - Ridge View 350 MW Solar PV Project Social and Economic Assessment

Author: Craig Hart


States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2022
Abstract: This study assesses the social and economic impacts of a 350 MW solar PV project to be installed on approximately 40 farms in the Town of Hartland, Niagara County, New York area by EDF Renewables. This study identifies between $177 million to $229 million in revenues and other benefits delivered by the Ridge View project to the Hartland community and surrounding areas. The study demonstrates that the project will increase and diversify participating farm revenues, support community investment, create jobs for construction and maintenance, and increase spending in the local community, helping create opportunities for diversifying the local economy. The study recommends careful project siting practices, including setbacks and visual buffers...
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01 Jun 2021

Overcoming Legal and Regulatory Barriers to District Geothermal in New York State



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2021
Abstract: This study examines the legal and regulatory issues confronting the development of district geothermal energy systems in the State of New York. Although geothermal technology is a reliable and economically feasible zero-emission source of building heat, resolving regulatory and property rights and permitting issues required to adopt district geothermal systems pose significant barriers. We evaluate geothermal projects along a continuum of complexity—from single owner systems—including a single owner of multiple buildings on a single parcel of land (such as a college campus)—to systems that involve multiple owners of buildings on numerous parcels of land (such as serving a downtown core). This study considers how property rights and pe...
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01 Apr 2019

Estimating the Air Emissions of Stationary Engine Generators under Two Megawatts



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2019
Abstract: The provision of electric power to homes, businesses and industry via distributed generation (“DG”)2 technologies has increased at a rapid pace over the last 10 to 15 years. New York has made the development of a distributed energy future a centerpiece of the Governor’s path breaking “Reforming the Energy Vision” initiative. The environmental consequences of dramatic increases in distributed generation, however, have not been empirically examined. Because certain forms of DG have previously only run to a very limited extent, their emissions were not regulated closely. However, evolving markets and new rate structures could create incentives that encourage an increase in the operating hours of fossil-fired DG. In this study we have...
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11 Sep 2017

Voluntary and Corporate Renewable Energy in New York: Challenges to Maximize Voluntary Benefits and Meeting States Goals



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017
Abstract: Since the adoption of New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2004, voluntary and compliance markets for renewable energy have been used together to meet state goals and drive in-state development. Today, the New York State Energy Plan (SEP) coordinates the Governor's energy initiative, Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), and the State's Energy Standard (CES). However, it is yet to be determined what proportion of the goals the voluntary market will represent, what requirements will be placed upon it, and whether or not generation serving voluntary buyers will be surplus to regulation. Like the rest of the Northeast, New York residents and businesses buy a large volume of voluntary green power, but New York does not supply much of i...
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01 Mar 2017

Transition Support Mechanisms for Communities Facing Full or Partial Coal Power Plant Retirement in New York



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2017
Abstract: The Transition Support Mechanisms report, prepared by Pace Energy and Climate Center with the support of Environmental Defense Fund, documents best practices for supporting the economic and environmental health of communities in New York facing the closure of a coal-fired power plant. The report examines several decades of just transition case studies from across the United States, and describes the challenges faced by New York communities bracing for the mothballing or retirement of coal generators. Every community is unique, so while there can be no one-size-fits-all approach, the report recommends a number of resources that these communities can use to develop a just transition plan after a plant’s closure.
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22 Aug 2016

Comments of Environmental Advocates, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pace Energy and Climate Center, and Riverkeeper on August 1, 2016 “Proposed Comprehensive Queue Reform Initiative


Topics: Climate,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: none
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22 Aug 2016

Proposed Comprehensive Queue Reform Initiative


Topics: DER,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: The key to an efficient interconnection process is timely commitment, reasonable study of costs and procedures and effective timelines. The Proposed Comprehensive Queue Reform Initiative is a proactive start in resolving inefficiencies, however in order to accomplish New York State’s 50% Renewable Energy Mandate, effective queue reform must be more robust and extensive.
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16 Feb 2016

Primer on Solar Hot Water Technologies in New York State



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: This research report summarizes basic information on solar hot water (SHW) technologies and their use in the state of New York. This report relies upon published secondary sources and direct interviews with experts in the field. This report covers four major topics: specific SHW technologies deployed in New York, major technology configuration, and an analysis on how installations differ, barriers to widespread solar hot water adoption, research, and literature gaps. The Pace Energy and Climate Center thanks Environmental Defense Fund for its support on this report. Special thanks to Rory Christian, director New York Clean Energy and Abbey Brown, Clean energy project Manager.
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13 Feb 2016

Unpacking and Rebutting the Utility Embedded Cost Fallacy


Topics: Markets,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: This is a discussion of customer charges and how utilities recover the entire cost of the system.
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12 Feb 2016

Unpacking and Rebutting the Utiltiy Embedded Cost Fallacy



States: New York,
Resource Type: New Article

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: Monopoly distribution utilities have proposed charges and other mechanisms to collect those system costs as they planned, and want to reduce any credits earned by customer generators in order to make it less economic for customers to become customer generators.
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01 Jan 2016

Combined Heat and Power on Brownfield Sites


Topics: CHP,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016
Abstract: Remediated brownfield sites offer an attractive and underutilized opportunity for siting clean distributed generation and CHP. Parties who remediate a contaminated site can be eligible for significant financial incentives from the existing NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credits, coupled with NYS incentives through NYSERDA, and federal tax credits.
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31 Dec 2015

2015 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: Climate,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015
Abstract: The Pace Energy and Climate Center had an amazing year in 2015. Our staff members and law student interns engaged in some of the most important clean energy policy and development issues in New York and in the Northeast region, as well as in selected venues across the United States and around the world. We have made important progress in empowering continued advancement toward a cleaner energy present and a more sustainable future for all of us. We are really proud of what we have done, and hope you will find our report interesting and informative. We are especially grateful for all the support from Pace University and the Pace Law School, and from our many donors and clients. We couldn’t do any of this without them! You will find our rep...
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01 Nov 2015

The Clean Power Plan Puzzle: The Future of Efforts to Control Pollution in the Northeast



States: New York,
Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2015
Abstract: In October 2015 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first national plan to cut climate pollution from power plants. Called the Clean Power Plan (CPP), the effort requires a 32% nation-wide reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the power sector. The CPP also gives states multiple pathways to comply. Now states are on the clock: they must submit their individual compliance plans or signal their intent to submit multi-state plans by September 2016. The nine states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the first market-based trading platform established to cut climate pollution from power plants in the Northeast, must now decide the future of the effort. This paper explores a few of...
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01 Jan 2015

Appendix B-Select EPS Program Synopses

Author: PECC Staff


States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015
Abstract: This is the appendix to the 2015 report, Charting the Course for Energy Efficiency in New York, contains program statistics and short descriptions for eight energy efficiency programs designed and run as part of the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS). The purpose of this appendix is to provide readers with an idea of how programs under EEPS achieve energy savings. The eight programs profiled are selected because they represent either on of the largest programs under EEPS in terms of reported energy savings achieved or the lowest Cost per first-year kWh saved among all programs. All reported statistics are drawn directly from the New York Department of Public Service EEPS website and represent reported metrics up to the third quarte...
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22 Sep 2014

REV Track 1 Straw Proposal Comments



States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: This document revisits and builds upon many of the points raised in a filing submitted on July 18, 2014, by a similar coalition of national and state-based environmental groups, clean energy companies, two academic centers, and one of New York’s leading consumer groups. The Clean Energy Advocates support many aspects of the Proposal. The Proposal describes an ambitious vision that can transform New York’s electricity infrastructure. It encourages the greater deployment of distributed energy resources. The Proposal provides much needed detail about the implementation of REV. It recommends the development of new planning tools and recommends launching several new stakeholder processes. The Clean Energy Advocates are pleased to see signifi...
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22 Sep 2014

Pace & supporters’ comments on the NYS Department of Public Service "Straw Proposal" in the landmark Reforming the Energy Vision case (14-M-0101)


Topics: REV,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: Comments filed to the NYS Public Service Commission by Pace and supporters (Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Environmental Advocates of New York, the Sierra Club, and the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation) in the landmark Reforming the Energy Vision case (14-M-0101). Filed September 22, 2014.
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18 Jul 2014

July 2014 Comments on REV and the Clean Energy Fund



States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: TThe range and complexity of the issues that the Commission will have to address as we embark on the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) can seem daunting. The temptation to become "lost in trees" and to lose "sight of the forest" must be resisted. With that in mind, the Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV's objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources...
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18 Jul 2014

Pace & supporters' comments on the NYS Department of Public Service "Staff Report” in the landmark Reforming the Energy Vision case (14-M-0101) and the Clean Energy Fund case (14-M-0094)


Topics: REV,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: Comments filed to the NYS Public Service Commission by Pace and nine supporting organizations in the landmark Reforming the Energy Vision case (14-M-0101 and 14-M-0094). Filed July 18, 2014.
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30 May 2014

Comments on the Draft State Energy Plan

Author: David Gahl


States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: We offer the following five recommendations. To improve the Final Plan, drafters should: 1) establish near-term, mid-term and long-term GHG reduction targets in straight tonnage terms, but also require GHG reporting in intensity terms; 2) establish aggressive statewide energy efficiency savings targets and renewable energy deployment targets as a way to meet the GHG reduction goals; 3) include more specific action items related to updating building codes, including setting training and outreach goals; 4) establish a statewide transportation emissions reduction goal, and eliminate barriers to electric vehicle deployment to help reduce GHG emissions; and 5) follow through on updating energy-related cost benefit analyses and begin development...
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30 May 2014

Pace Energy and Climate Center comments on the draft 2014 New York State Energy Plan


Topics: Markets,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: Comments filed to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the State Energy Planning Board on the draft New York State Energy Plan. Filed May 30, 2014.
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27 Apr 2014

Charting the Course for Energy Efficiency in New York



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: Charting a New Course for Energy Efficiency in New York: Lessons from Existing Programs, the report examines the performance of the existing suite of energy efficiency efforts run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the state’s investor owned utilities. The latest data shows that through 2014 EEPS program administrators had achieved 79 percent of their to date savings goals. The report focuses on the best ways to transition from the EEPS program model to the emerging REV model. Reviewing publicly available information, this analysis takes stock of what the EEPS has achieved and calls for a REV planning and delivery program that builds upon lessons learned from decades of past efforts to achieve self-sustain...
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01 Jan 2014

Comments on the REV Proceeding and the Clean Energy Fund



States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2014
Abstract: The Joint Commenters offer the following principles as a directional map to the Commission and DPS staff against which specific policies and programs should be evaluated: 1. Emissions reductions must remain central to REV’s objectives and outcomes. 2. New York must preserve and affirm its commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3. Distributed energy resources (DER) should be fully valued to reflect the operational, environmental, and social benefits these resources provide to both the energy system and the public. 4. Any compensation to a Distributed System Platform Provider (DSPP) should be commensurate with its performance in addressing clear public policy objectives established by the Commission, including greenhouse gas...
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01 May 2013

Sizing up Progress Toward '15 by '15



States: New York,
Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012
Abstract: The 2012 EEPS update
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08 Apr 2013

RPS Comments: Case 03-E-0188, NYSERDA Petition Regarding Unencumbered CST Funds

Author: Adam Cohn

Topics: Misc,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2013
Abstract: Pace comments submitted to the PSC in support of NYSERDA's proposal to reallocate CST funds
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08 Apr 2013

Support of NYSERDA's Proposal to Reallocate CST Funds

Author: Adam Cohn


States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2013
Abstract: NYSERDA's proposed reallocation will enlarge the Solar PV 2013 budget by more than 30%, an increase of $11.6 million. Pace agrees with this decision to use unencumbered funds to boost the Solar PV budget, as it will help meet the bold targets set forth in Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative. The additional funding for Solar PV will also lead to increased stability in New York's solar market and is expected to result in 15 MW of additional installed solar capacity. At the same time, we recognize the importance of sustained, robust support for all of the CST technologies in order to ensure the state's RPS drives the adoption of a diverse universe of renewable resources. As proposed, we support the NYSERDA reallocation, as it successfully balan...
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01 Jan 2013

New York's Renewabel Portfolio Standard: Where to From Here?



States: New York,
Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013
Abstract: This report provides an analysis of New York's progress towards its Renewable Portfolio Standard, which aims to meet 30% of the state's electricity consumption with renewable generation by 2015. 'New York's Renewable Portfolio Standard: Where To From Here?' offers an assessment of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, as well as a series of recommendations as to how New York can more effectively achieve greater deployment of cost-effective renewable resources.
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07 Dec 2012

Pace Supports Increased Efficiency Budgets in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy



States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2012
Abstract: Comments filed to the New York PSC by Pace and supporters (NRDC, Sierra Club, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Alliance for Clean Energy New York and Environmental Advocates of New York) following Hurricane Sandy, advocating for increased efficiency budgets in the wake of Sandy and future storms.
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01 Jun 2012

Market Programs Primer

Author: Tim Banach

Topics: Markets,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2012
Abstract: Market-based environmental protection programs offer numerous economic, administrative, and performance advantages over traditional command-and-control approaches.  This work highlights key design features of various state and regional market-based environmental programs currently operating in New York and evaluates their success.
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01 Jan 2012

Energy Efficiency in New York: Midcourse Status Report of '15 by '15



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2012
Abstract: This report reviews progress to date makes recommendations for improving these programs and making New York "Number one" for energy efficiency.
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01 Jan 2012

Market-based Environmental Programs in New York State: A Primer

Author: Tim Banach


States: New York,
Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012
Abstract: The broad goal of environmental regulation is to protect human health and the environment. To that end, regulation often seeks to prevent or control the release of pollutants into the air or water or onto the land. New York State regulators have approached the control of pollution in two ways: through command-and-control requirements and market-based mechanisms. This primer introduces market-based mechanisms currently employed in New York State environmental regulation.
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30 Jun 2011

Valuing and Supporting the Expanded Deployment of Grid-Connected Distribution Generation in New York State


Topics: DER,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011
Abstract: New York, like many other states, has committed to achieving significant renewable energy targets in the near future. Meeting these targets implies that the penetration level of smaller scale, interconnected distributed generation (DG) is inevitably going to increase markedly over the next decade or two.
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30 Jun 2011

Valuing and Supporting the Expanded Deployment of Grid-connected Distributed Generation in New York State



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011
Abstract: New York State's existing portfolio of policy and program initiatives provides a foundation for expanding the deployment of interconnected DG resources, but progress is slow. The overarching question remains: what are the essential ingredients of a comprehensive effort that could significantly increase the role DG plays in New York's electric service delivery system?
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29 Mar 2011

Energy Performance MLS Opportunity Assessment



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011
Abstract: The overarching goal of this project is to use the "multiple listing service" (MLS), a standard marketing tool of the real estate industry, to encourage homeowners in NYS to make beneficial investments in improving the energy performance, that is the "energy efficiency", of their homes. The industry's green MLS programs offer a foundation of valuable experience that may be tapped to develop an energy efficiency focused MLS program in New York
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01 Feb 2011

Deployment of Distributed Generation for Grid Support and Distribution System Infrastructure: A Summary Analysis of DG Benefits and Case Studies



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011
Abstract: Distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP), and more broadly Distributed Energy Resources (DER) that encompasses DG, CHP, and energy efficiency resources (EE) can provide numerous benefits both to the electric transmission and distribution (T&D) and to society overall. For some time, the potential benefits of DG CHP have been identified, speculated upon, and in some instances, analyzed and quantified. Studies have been conducted by industry participants, utilities, regulators and their national and regional organizations, the Department of Energy and the National Energy labs, and numerous energy experts and consultants. These numerous studies have identified numerous benefits including avoided costs of energy, generation...
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25 Jun 2009

Brownfield Tax Credits: An Incentive for Siting CHP


Topics: CHP,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2009
Abstract: Recently enacted state legislation provides a significant suite of state tax credits aimed at brownfield redevelopment. These refundable credits are directly applicable to any capital investment at an eligible site. Brownfield redevelopment tax credits coupled with other financial incentives can encourage the use of CHP where such use is suitable for brownfield redevelopment. Using cost-effective CHP at a brownfield site to better manage energy costs could improve project economics for the brownfield developer, the end use property owner and tenants at the site.
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08 Dec 2008

Reply Brief: Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of ConEd for Electric Services

Author: PECC Staff


States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2008
Abstract: Offering testimony on the issue of actions that ConEd can take to encourage development of DER and CHP within its service territory.
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17 Nov 2008

Initial Comments: Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of ConEd for electric Service


Topics: Solar,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2008
Abstract: Concerns proposed revisions that would increase the target level of photovoltaics and other on-peak resources in high-cost areas.
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01 Jun 2006

Guidebook for Small Combined Heat and Power Systems Seeking to Obtain Emissions Reduction Credits in New York State



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2006
Abstract: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is typically more efficient than the separate generation of electricity in a central power plant and production of heat in an on-site boiler. This improved efficiency can result in a reduction of air pollutant emissions. CHP projects with significant reductions in emissions are eligible to participate in the NYSDEC emission reduction credit (ERC) program. Facilities certifying ERCs can trade them, thereby improving the financial benefit of installing CHP. This guidebook is intended to assist facility managers with quantifying emissions reduction credits. An additional report, “Emissions Allowance Market Opportunities for Small Scale CHP Projects,” (NYSERDA Report #06-04) evaluates how allowance-based regula...
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01 Dec 2005

The Role of Distributed Generation in Power Quality and Reliability


Topics: DER,

States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2005
Abstract: The nature of business and power consumption has changed considerably over the last two decades. Facilities of all kinds now make widespread use of sensitive electronic components, computers and programmable logic controllers. There is also a growing need for reliable and continuous communications with customers, suppliers, and financial institutions. Many businesses suffer economic losses when electric power interruptions occur or even when there are voltage or current abnormalities present in the power delivery. While the performance of the U.S. and New York electric utility industries is extremely good, even this level of performance is not sufficient to protect customers with highly sensitive loads from economic losses. These customers...
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01 May 2003

Clean Distributed Generation In New York State: State and Local Siting, Permitting and Code Issues



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2003
Abstract: A major hurdle in obtaining approvals for DG/CHP project is lack of clarity about what requirements exist, which agencies have jurisdiction, what agency processes must be followed, the timetable for approvals. This lack of clarity can consume time and money for both developers and agency staff, in the form of research, meeting, review, and correction of applications, re-design of projects, and construction modifications.
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26 Apr 2002

Renewable Certificates for Photovoltaics: A Model To Build Upon



States: New York,
Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2002
Abstract: There is a growing demand by customers in the marketplace for solar photovoltaic (PV) generated electricity. Consumers want to support PV even though they may not be able to afford to have their own PV system on their roof. By trading PV "certificates" in the wholesale market, aggregators or utilities can offer a certificate-backed retail product to consumers, allowing them to support the use of PV without having to make a large investment. This can occur in the retail market where consumers either have the ability to choose a green energy option offered by a load-serving entity or through a green pricing program offered by a utility company.
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