This bill requires owners and operators of large outdoor cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of maintaining service for at least 72 hours during power outages. It applies to new installations and replacements of existing backup systems, but does not require updates to towers already equipped with backup power before the law takes effect. The backup systems must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, excluding rooftop, small cell, or indoor antenna systems. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Establishes energy efficiency measures by the public service commission and NYSERDA including requiring utilities to hire and train employees who are from priority populations or living in areas designated as environmental justice communities.
Requires at least one electric level three fast charging station available to the public for every five thousand New York state residents on a county level by December 31, 2027; provides for the siting of such charging stations; requires construction and development of such stations to comply with article 8 of the labor law including payment of the prevailing wage.
Enacts the "public renewables transparency act"; relates to the New York power authority's conferral process; requires the conferral report be posted on the authority's website; provides that the authority shall provide an option for stakeholders to submit comments remotely as well, and incorporate feedback from such sessions and written comments into the final draft of the strategic plan; makes related provisions.
Requires the New York state energy research and development authority conduct a study on Brooklyn College constructing a micro-grid to study the feasibility, efficiency, and energy saving costs if such a micro-grid was constructed on campus.
This bill requires gas and electric utility companies in New York to provide customers with 45 days' written notice before implementing any service rate or charge increase. It directly affects all residential and business customers of these utilities by giving them advance warning of upcoming cost changes. The key provision mandates that notices must be delivered in writing at least 45 days prior to the effective date of the increase. This policy change aims to provide customers with greater transparency and time to adjust their budgets or explore alternatives.
This bill changes how New York property taxes are calculated for solar and wind energy systems. It requires tax assessors to use a new discounted cash flow method that accounts for regional costs and includes specific expenses like community benefit payments, decommissioning costs, and subscriber management fees. Federal tax credits and renewable energy credits (like clean energy certificates) are no longer counted as income when valuing these systems. The law directly affects property owners with solar/wind systems, local assessors, and communities receiving benefit payments. It aims to create fairer tax assessments by reflecting actual system costs and revenue streams.
Requires the state fire administrator to make available a specialized electric vehicle emergency response training program to provide training to individuals responsible for providing emergency response and recovery following incidents involving electric vehicles; defines emergency medical services agency.
Requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for covered renewable energy systems to use apprenticeship agreements; requires thermal energy networks to require contractors and subcontractors to use pre-apprenticeship direct entry providers registered with the department of labor.
Establishes the mechanical insulation energy savings program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts, public hospitals, public housing buildings, and political subdivisions that have completed a qualified audit.
