Gov. David A. Paterson, D-N.Y., has accepted the final 2009 State Energy Plan from the New York State Energy Planning Board. The Energy Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for New York to continue to transition to a clean energy economy over a 10-year planning horizon, and is the first state energy plan since 2002.
The recommendations and more specific action items in the plan will make energy more reliable, secure and affordable for New Yorkers, address the threat of climate change and result in a cleaner environment, according to the governor's office.
Within the solar energy sector, the plan calls for working with the New York Power Authority to procure another 100 MW of solar energy statewide, as well as working with the Long Island Power Authority to bring to fruition its utility-scale solar projects following its successful 50 MW solar request for proposals in 2009.
Modeling performed for the plan indicates that the New York economy would benefit by $2.60 for every dollar invested in electric efficiency investments, and that achieving the governor's goal of increasing energy efficiency 15%Â by 2015 would help reduce electric prices and provide aggregate retail bill savings of as much as $1.4 billion in 2015, the governor's office says.
The plan calls for improving coordination and expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy programs across the state in support of the governor's '45 by 15' clean energy goal; submitting legislation that will establish a power plant siting process that will provide greater certainty to developers and greater opportunities for public involvement; and submitting legislation to establish a long-term Power for Jobs program and developing new selection criteria that encourage energy efficiency.
In addition, the plan calls for submitting legislation to green the state's energy code and removing loopholes that have limited the code's effectiveness; developing procedures to assess and consider disproportionate environmental burdens from energy facilities in potential environmental justice areas; and submitting legislation to require disclosure of energy characteristics of buildings at the time of sale.
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SOURCE: New York Office Of The Governor
