Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State

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Agency Web Site: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Link to External Website

Mission

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) facilitates change through the widespread development and use of innovative technologies to improve the State’s energy, economic, and environmental well-being.

As part of its central mission, the Authority administers market development and innovation and research programs which are funded through the Clean Energy Fund.

Energy research, development and demonstration programs are managed by the Authority and funded primarily by assessments on gas and electric utilities. The Authority also issues tax-exempt bonds on behalf of investor-owned utilities for eligible capital improvements.

The Authority’s responsibilities include the development and analysis of energy policy options, the monitoring of fuel supplies, the management of the former nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at West Valley in Cattaraugus County, and the management of the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park (STEP) in Saratoga County. The Authority also administers several of the Governor’s initiatives such as: Fuel NY; Charge NY; Renewable Heat NY; NY-Sun; Green-Jobs Green New York; and the Cleaner, Greener Communities program.

Organization and Staffing

NYSERDA is governed by a 13-member Board consisting of nine members nominated by the Governor with the consent of the Senate and four ex-officio members, who include the commissioners of the departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation, the chair of the Public Service Commission, and the president and CEO of the Power Authority of the State of New York. The Board appoints a President and CEO.

Budget Highlights

Through Article VII legislation, the Authority will continue to receive revenue from a special assessment on gas and electric corporations for expenditures related to the energy research, development and demonstration program, local grants, the energy policy and planning program, and the Fuel NY program. As per the legislation, this revenue, not to exceed $19.7 million, will be remitted directly to the Authority and will not be appropriated through the State budget. This legislation also provides for the continued support of the Department of Environmental Conservation's climate change office and the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

The FY 2020 Executive Budget recommends $17.7 million in Capital appropriations, an increase of approximately $1 million from FY 2019 levels, to meet the State's requirements of a Federal cost sharing agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for the management and administration of the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at West Valley.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Program Highlights

NYSERDA administers energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including:

Clean Energy Fund: This 10 year, $5 billion fund supported primarily by an assessment on gas and electric ratepayers, is designed to deliver on New York State’s commitment to reduce ratepayer collections, drive economic development, and accelerate the use of clean energy and energy innovation.

NY Green Bank: This $1 billion program is primarily supported by the Clean Energy Fund and addresses gaps in clean energy financing markets through credit enhancement and loan loss reserves.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: A cap and trade program that supports clean energy investments through the quarterly auctioning of greenhouse gas emission allowances to power generators.

ALL FUNDS
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Category Available
FY 2019
Appropriations
Recommended
FY 2020
Change From
FY 2019
Reappropriations
Recommended
FY 2020
Capital Projects 17,000,000 17,700,000 700,000 25,263,000
Total 17,000,000 17,700,000 700,000 25,263,000

CAPITAL PROJECTS
ALL FUNDS FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
APPROPRIATIONS
(dollars)
Comprehensive Construction Program Available
FY 2019
Recommended
FY 2020
Change Reappropriations
FY 2020
Cleaner Greener Communities Program
Capital Projects Fund - Authority Bonds 0 0 0 16,763,000
Western New York Nuclear Service Center Program
Capital Projects Fund 17,000,000 17,700,000 700,000 8,500,000
Total 17,000,000 17,700,000 700,000 25,263,000

Note: Most recent estimates as of 1/15/2019