Prohibits proceeds from the auction or sale of carbon dioxide emission allowances pursuant to New York's participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) from being transferred into the state general fund; provides that if such proceeds are transferred to the state general fund, they shall be used for the purposes directed by the RGGI.
This bill requires electric and gas utilities to offer reduced rates of 25-35% to low-income households enrolled in specific assistance programs like SSI, TANF, SNAP, or home energy assistance. It directs utilities to simplify enrollment through data sharing with social services agencies and provide clear application information on bills and websites. Utilities must cover the cost of these discounts using existing profits (not raising rates for other customers) and implement the program by 2027. The policy directly affects over 1 million low-income New York households currently receiving federal or state aid.
This bill prohibits New York's Public Service Commission from adding a "system benefits charge" to utility bills paid by ratepayers. It directly affects residential and business customers who pay electricity, gas, or water bills by preventing an additional surcharge from being imposed. The law requires the Commission to stop using this specific fee, which was designated as a "system benefits charge" on the effective date of the bill. The prohibition takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Requires consideration of evidence relating to the economic impact of major increases of rates or charges upon consumers and the areas affected by such increases of rates or charges prior to approval of any such rates or charges; establishes minimum data to be considered by the public service commission relating to such economic impact.
This bill establishes a 9-member Climate Action Cost Council to review climate-related regulations. State agencies must get the council’s 2/3 approval before adopting new rules to meet climate goals, and can issue no more than five such rules annually. The council must consider costs to businesses and ratepayers, grid reliability, and emissions reductions before approving proposals. Agencies must notify the council 60 days in advance of proposed rules, and the council will report annual costs and emissions data to the governor and legislature.
Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.
This legislation mandates that gas and electric utility companies provide written notice to customers at least thirty days before any service rate or charge increases take effect. The public service commission would be required to enforce this notification rule for all affected customers. The notice must specify that the higher cost will begin after the thirty-day period concludes. Should the bill pass, the requirement would become effective immediately upon enactment.
Enacts the accelerate solar for affordable power (ASAP) act to set a new target for distributed solar energy capacity and direct the public service commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new distributed energy resources.
Authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide grants or loans for the costs related to enabling switching residences with propane or fuel-oil heating systems to efficient electric heat pumps.
Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.
