The Grid of the Future Starts Here
By Jeff Jones, Alliance for Clean Energy New York
Recently, with the state in the final days of budget negotiations, and most energy policy watchers keeping their eyes on the unfolding budget negotiations, the April meeting of the state Public Service Commission (PSC) nearly went unnoticed. It did, however, have two significant features that will have a long-lasting impact on the development of New York state energy policy. The first was the launch of a multi-year effort to design New York’s electric Grid of the Future and the second was welcoming of two new commission members, Uchenna Bright and Denise Sheehan.
To start things off for the new commissioners, the Commission voted to launch its Grid of the Future proceeding.
This marks the start of a significant grid flexibility study, with staff estimating the current and future potential capabilities of distributed resources across New York’s electric grid. Building on the last decade of work, the study will identify near-term actions that can speed the deployment and use of multiple energy sources. Commission staff will file an inaugural Grid of the Future plan by December 31, 2024. An updated plan, which will include input from stakeholders and public engagement opportunities, is due no later than the end of 2025. In his statement, PSC Chair Rory Christian said, “As customers continue to choose electric appliances, cars and heating sources which are increasingly connected through devices, such as smart thermostats or smart EV chargers, we have a once in a generation opportunity to harness the inherent value of the flexible grid services those resources can provide, offering customers the opportunity for significant utility bill savings, while enabling a cleaner, more flexible and resilient grid of the future here in New York.”
Adding to the session’s optimistic atmosphere was the presence of two new commissioners. Bright most recently served as the Northeast Advocate for E2/Environmental Entrepreneurs. In that role, she worked to identify and establish new business and job creation opportunities in the growing clean energy economy. Reflecting the evolution of state energy policy from its historic fossil-fuel based generation platforms to a system based on renewable and clean electricity, Bright’s vision for her role uniquely emphasized the opportunity and responsibility to address the climate crisis. Welcoming his new colleagues, Commissioner David Velesky noted that both Bright and Sheehan have terms that will extend until 2030, the date by which New York is mandated to generate 70% if its electricity from zero carbon sources under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Sheehan, who most recently served as a Senior Advisor to the NY Battery and Energy Storage Consortium, brings experience in the growing battery storage sector. Sheehan previously served as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation during the administration of former Gov, George Pataki. She was also a sitting member of the New York League of Conservation Voters Board until stepping down to become a PSC commissioner. Acknowledging the thorough and engaged work Sheehan contributed during her first week on the job and in preparation for her first commission meeting, both she and Bright were warmly welcomed by Commission Chair Rory Christian.
This leaves just one of seven seats left to be filled. With Senate approval required, the assumption is that there will be one more nomination from Gov. Kathy Hochul before this year’s legislative session ends in early June. Otherwise, that seat could remain vacant until next year.
