IPPNY Supports Energy Themes Advanced by Gov. Paterson in State of the State Address
Contact:
Gavin Donohue or
Chris LaRoe
518-436-3749
Albany, N.Y., 1/7/09 - The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today announced its support for the energy-related initiatives laid out by Governor David Paterson in his State of the State address. Specifically, the governor has called for additional investment in the state's power generating facilities and its transmission and distribution systems, as well as energy efficiency efforts. IPPNY has consistently called for additional investment in New York's energy infrastructure as a mechanism to help spur economic development.
Furthermore, the governor has advanced a "45 by 15" goal, which combines the existing "15 by 15" Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard with a more aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which would have a new goal of obtaining 30 percent of the state's energy from renewable resources by 2015 (the previous target was 25 percent by 2013). Promoting renewable energy through an elevated RPS goal is a worthwhile endeavor. However, IPPNY believes that such a goal should be accompanied by an expansion of RPS program benefit eligibility to include all forms of renewable energy, including waste-to-energy and certain existing hydroelectric facilities. Additionally, renewable generation must continue to be developed through the state's wholesale competitive energy markets and not through ratepayer-based utility builds.
"We applaud the governor for calling for additional investments in an array of energy-related endeavors in New York State," said IPPNY President Gavin Donohue. "Indeed, independent power producers, operating within New York's successful competitive wholesale energy markets, have invested billions in their facilities within the past decade alone. Such investments should be encouraged, and the policies put forth by New York State during these critical times will determine, in large part, if such investments will continue. New York State, through the governor's leadership, must maintain and enhance its commitment to policies that foster the continued evolution and implementation of competitive energy markets."
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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.
