TRANSMISSION UPGRADES NECESSARY TO BOOST RENEWABLES IN NYS

ALBANY, NY (12/17/2015)(readMedia)-- Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, offered the following comments on today's actions by the NYS Public Service Commission to advance Governor Cuomo's Energy Highway initiative:

"The renewable energy industry supports today's Commission decision because it will help pave the way for more renewable energy in New York.

"The Commission decision declares that there is a public policy need for this portfolio of transmission projects. This is an important milestone in the multi-step process to get transmission upgrades proposed to and then evaluated by the NYISO, and subsequently reviewed and permitted. This action will ultimately allow for crucial updates to New York's transmission system. These are necessary investments that will facilitate further development of New York's renewable energy resources and help achieve the mandate of 50% renewables by 2030.

"The state's current transmission constraints are a significant obstacle to linking our abundant renewable resources, especially wind power in Upstate NY, with the areas of highest electricity demand and highest prices. Relieving this congestion will create important opportunities for new investments in renewable energy and allow clean, fuel-free power to flow easily to the downstate area, which will provide broad economic and environmental benefits throughout New York State.

"The Commission's decision was based on lengthy analysis and public input, which resulted in the decision to conduct all infrastructure improvements wholly in existing rights-of-way. This is a compromise that minimizes or eliminates any visual or environmental impact while still getting the grid improvements that New York needs.

"Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo directed the Commission to immediately open a proceeding to mandate that 50% of New York's power be from renewable technologies like wind, solar, and hydro, by 2030. In 2014, 25% of New York's electricity was from renewable resources. Doubling that will require innovative policies and an adequate transmission grid. We look forward to working with the Commission and the NYISO to identify additional transmission upgrades that may be required to successfully reach our 50% clean energy goal."

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About the Alliance for Clean Energy New York:

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org