Renewables to Generate 50% of NY's Electricity by 2030

The New York State Public Service Commission has approved New York’s Clean Energy Standard, which will require 50 percent of New York's electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced.

 

The plan will see an aggressive phase-in schedule over the next several years. In its initial phase, utilities and other energy suppliers will be required to procure and phase in new renewable power resources starting with 26.31 percent of the state's total electricity load in 2017 and grow to 30.54 percent of the statewide total in 2021.

 

“New York has taken bold action to become a national leader in the clean energy economy and is taking concrete, cost-effective steps today to safeguard this state’s environment for decades to come,” Governor Cuomo said. “This Clean Energy Standard shows you can generate the power necessary for supporting the modern economy while combating climate change.”

 

“New York will be attracting billions of dollars in private investment for new renewable power supplies, developing new jobs and new green choices for consumers,” added Public Service Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “CES adoption will bring numerous benefits to consumers, including a reduction in carbon and other harmful pollutants, and continued maintenance of fuel diversity. It is a crucial addition to the Commission’s actions under Reforming the Energy Vision to integrate clean energy into the fabric of a modern, efficient and secure power system. New York is now on its way to '50 by 30' and even more renewable power will be within our reach.”

 

Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York Richard Kauffman said, “Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York State has started a clean energy revolution and today is just the latest step in our path a cleaner energy future. The Clean Energy Standard aligns with the Governor's directive to phase out coal power by 2020 and affirms New York’s position as a leader in combating climate change.”

 

“With Monday’s announcement, Governor Cuomo and the New York State Public Service Commission are showing New York continues to lead by example. This keeps New York right where it should be—at the front of the pack,” said Heather Leibowitz, the Director of Environment New York.

 

“Moving forward with the Clean Energy Standard makes it much more likely that New York can ramp up solar and onshore and offshore wind, to meet the Empire State’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions,” said Leibowitz, who called the initiative an “ambitious, but achievable goal for expanding New York’s use of clean energy.”