IPPNY Prepared for 2013
Trade Association Welcomes New Members and Issues 2013 Legislative Priorities
Albany, N.Y., 1/7/13 - Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) is ready for the 2013 Legislative Session, spotlighting its unique and diverse membership, its legislative priorities, and opportunities for investments as a foundation for the state's economic growth. IPPNY's focus for this year includes support of policies that further the trade association's mission of promoting fair, fully competitive electric markets in New York State and the importance of a diverse fuel supply to maintain the state's electric system reliability.
IPPNY President & CEO Gavin J. Donohue said that the association is looking forward to 2013 and avenues for continued growth for the electric power supply industry. "Both the Governor and the Legislature recognize the importance of robust energy supplies for a vibrant economy. Expanding the economic strength of New York State through additional investment as needed in areas such as generation, repowering, renewable energy resources, natural gas infrastructure, and transmission will be a major focus this year, as envisioned in Governor Cuomo's 2012 Energy Highway Task Force Blueprint. These action items provide more opportunities for power producers who already have contributed so much to the state. We encourage the Task Force to continue to recognize the success of competitive markets as these policies are implemented, and IPPNY will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to ensure that New York maintains its safe, secure and reliable electric system."
Specifically, IPPNY's 2013 Legislative Agenda includes: supporting regulatory certainty; promoting fair competition among all types of energy resources; the development of reliable and diverse supplies of energy; encouraging power plant investments such as repowering and assisting communities impacted by power plant closures; limiting the use of the power of eminent domain in the energy sector only to activities that maximize benefits to New York State; and ensuring that the use of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) CO2 Allowance Auction proceeds is focused upon achieving the state's CO2 reduction goals for electric generating facilities.
Established in 1986, IPPNY has grown to become the largest energy trade association in the state representing over 65 companies in the electric power supply industry, including a record-high number of companies using renewable energy resources. In the last six months, the trade association has expanded its membership base by welcoming eight new members. IPPNY's current Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from 20 companies who are leaders in the energy industry.
Member companies generate over 75 percent of the state's electricity using a wide variety of generating technologies and fuels including hydro, nuclear, wind, coal, oil, natural gas, biomass, energy-from-waste, and landfill gas. IPPNY Member companies also are looking to expand into solar energy, with the state's recent announcement of increased funding through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Furthermore, IPPNY Members do more than just meet New York's energy demands; they benefit their communities in other ways. Independent power producers have invested over $10 billion to purchase, construct, and operate their facilities, employ more than 10,000 individuals, pay annual taxes of over $600 million, and invest more than $50 million in their host communities.
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