IPPNY & Environmental Groups Call on New York to Regularly Fund Large-Scale Renewable Projects to Drive Economic Development
Albany, N.Y., 4/4/14 - The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY), Pace Energy and Climate Center, and Environmental Advocates of New York call on New York State to regularly and adequately fund large-scale renewable energy projects. This year's extremely cold winter, coupled with high natural gas prices, have reinforced the need for further development of energy diversity within New York's power supply. Regular and ongoing investments in the renewable energy sector will help meet this need, while also delivering substantial economic and environmental benefits to all New Yorkers.
Notably, since 2012, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has issued only one Request for Proposal (RFP) - the application through which developers and investors propose and receive funding for large-scale renewable energy projects - despite a stated goal of at least one solicitation per year. Among other factors, an unpredictable RFP schedule has reduced the number of projects being proposed under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and hindered developers' ability to bring clean energy projects online due to program uncertainty. To help meet the State's renewable energy goals, NYSERDA should issue a new RFP for large-scale renewable energy projects this year and conduct more regular RFPs thereafter in order to simplify program administration, stabilize the market, and secure in-state investments that will lead to more overall megawatts of renewable energy resources.
IPPNY's President & CEO Gavin J. Donohue said that the RPS program must be allowed to operate effectively in order to meet its goals. "New York's RPS goal of 30 percent of generation in the State coming from renewable resources by 2015 can be better achieved by consistent execution of the program, including a regular schedule for project solicitation and maintaining constant program funding," Donohue stated. "While renewable projects of all sizes are critical to reaching these goals, attention - and money - should be focused upon the successful program for large-scale renewable energy projects in order for the State to continue to receive the significant environmental and economic benefits they provide."
"While New York has added a great deal of electricity from renewable energy during the past ten years, we still have a ways to go to reach our goal," said David Gahl, Director of Strategic Engagement at the Pace Energy and Climate Center. "Establishing a more regular schedule to fund large-scale renewable energy projects, and sticking to that schedule, will help get New York back on track."
"If New York is going to meet its climate action goal of reducing carbon pollution 80 percent by the year 2050, then we have to pick up the pace on renewable energy," said Conor Bambrick, Air and Energy Director for Environmental Advocates of New York. "Restoring stability and predictability to our clean energy programs is the winning plan we need."
According to NYSERDA's 2014 RPS Performance Report, nearly 2,000 megawatts of renewable generation have been brought online since the program began in 2005. Approximately $2.7 billion of direct investments in New York are expected over the projected life of the current portfolio of RPS facilities, as measured in jobs, taxes and local payments, in-state purchases and land leases. Progress in the program, which currently is authorized through the end of 2015, can be enhanced by more frequent solicitations and greater program certainty.
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The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) is an Albany-based trade association representing the competitive power supply industry in New York State. IPPNY Members generate over 75 percent of New York's electricity using a wide variety of generating technologies and fuels including hydro, nuclear, wind, coal, oil, natural gas and biomass.
For more than 25 years, the Pace Energy and Climate Center has been a leader working at the intersection of energy and the environment. We engage government decision makers and key stakeholders with robust research and analysis in law and policy. The Energy and Climate Center is housed at the Pace University School of Law. Visit us on the web at: energy.pace.edu and follow us on Twitter @EnergyPace.
Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY) is the state's government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for enacting and enforcing laws that protect natural resources and public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions and has a membership network of more than 25,000 New Yorkers. EANY's Air & Energy Program is focused on reducing air pollution and promoting the clean technologies that will set New York on the path to a safe and sustainable energy future. The organization's work includes promoting policies that will improve air quality and reduce climate pollution, as well as supporting New York's efforts to increase energy efficiency and conservation and accelerate clean energy development.
