Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State

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ALL FUNDS APPROPRIATIONS
All amounts are in dollars
Category Available
2008-09
Appropriations
Recommended
2009-10
Change From
2008-09
Reappropriations
Recommended
2009-10
State Operations 7,990,000 6,996,000 -994,000 0
Aid To Localities 10,014,020 9,234,000 -780,020 0
Capital Projects 13,500,000 13,500,000 0 0
Total 31,504,020 29,730,000 -1,774,020 0

Note: Most recent estimates as of 12/16/08.

Mission

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was established in 1975 to develop and implement new energy technologies, focusing on renewable energy sources and energy conservation.

As part of its central mission, the Authority manages energy research, development and demonstration programs, which are funded by assessments on gas and electric utilities. Projects are selected on a competitive basis to promote applied research on State energy problems.

The Authority administers Federal grant programs which help businesses, schools and hospitals implement energy efficiency measures, and issues tax exempt bonds on behalf of investor-owned utilities for capital improvements. The Authority also administers the System Benefits Charge, which supports energy programs for low-income consumers, energy efficiency, energy research and development, and environmental protection. In addition, the Authority administers the Renewable Portfolio Standard program, designed to increase the percentage of electricity used by retail customers in the State which is derived from renewable resources.

The Authority also manages the former nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at West Valley in Cattaraugus County and the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park (STEP) in Saratoga County. Currently, NYSERDA has several clean-energy technology companies located at STEP, and is continuing to work toward bringing in other clean energy technology companies.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends $29.7 million All Funds ($16.2 million Special Revenue Funds; $13.5 million Capital funds) for the Energy Research and Development Authority. This is a decrease of $1.8 million ($1.8 million Special Revenue Funds) from the 2008-09 budget. This net change primarily reflects a decrease in funding due to one-time costs associated with updating the State energy plan.

The Energy Research and Development Authority is partially funded by assessments on State public utility gross intrastate operating receipts. The 2009-10 budget recommends approximately $16.2 million in appropriations for the Authority’s energy, research and development programs and $13.5 million for ongoing work at West Valley. The authority has a workforce of 270.

2009-10 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State (PDF)