Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State

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Agency Web Site: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/

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, NYSERDA administers market development and innovation and research programs which are funded through the Clean Energy Fund. NYSERDA also administers clean and renewable energy initiatives pursuant to the Clean Energy Standard. In addition, it will be a major player implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

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.

NYSERDA'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. NYSERDA also administers several 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 the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Power Authority of the State of New York. The NYSERDA board appoints its president and CEO.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2023 Executive Budget recommends a $500 million economic development capital project appropriation for the development of offshore wind ports, manufacturing, supply chain infrastructure, and other related improvements and expenses needed to advance the offshore wind industry.

The FY 2023 Executive Budget recommends $23.6 million in capital projects appropriations, an increase of approximately $2.1 million from FY 2022 levels, to meet the state share 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.

Through Article VII legislation, NYSERDA will continue to receive approximately $22.9 million in 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. 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.

As co-chair of the Climate Action Council, NYSERDA plays a critical role in developing and overseeing the scoping plan that will outline how New York will achieve and implement its clean energy and climate goals as set forth by the CLCPA. To help achieve these goals as well as generate savings for ratepayers, the Executive Budget proposes legislation to enact building benchmarking, remove current barriers in the Energy Law that could impede the adoption of updates to the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, require zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions for new construction no later than 2027, and increase the state’s efficiency standards for appliances and equipment.

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

Briefing Book – Environment and Energy (PDF)

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 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.

Off-Shore Wind: The State is fast approaching its third offshore wind procurement. To date, New York has five offshore wind projects and five ports under active development. With over 4,300 MW off offshore energy procured the State is nearly halfway toward the 9,000 MW goal by 2035. New York’s current offshore wind project portfolio represents the largest suite of offshore wind projects under active development in the nation.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 05/11/2020