NEW YORK

Representatives from SEIA, a utility-scale solar developer, a leading independent RTO consultant, NY BEST, and the NYISO joined a discussion with ACE NY, local policymakers, and renewable energy supporters on how hybrid (solar + storage) projects will help drive job creation and economic growth in the state. With the costs of battery storage rapidly declining, and ambitious solar and storage deployment targets in New York’s new energy law, the state’s grid operator is focused on developing new rules to allow more hybrid projects on the grid.

Panelists discussed the various approaches to bringing more hybrid projects online and how these projects can best contribute to both economic growth and grid reliability in the state. Joining the presentation were representatives from both chambers of the New York Legislature, staff from NYSERDA, the NYISO, the Department of Public Service, the Department of State, Department of Environmental Conservation, and local governments. These decision-makers were also joined by renewable energy developers, labor representatives, academics, and local utilities, with over 160 total attendees joining the call.

Moderator:

• Anne Reynolds, Executive Director, ACE NY

Panelists:

• Dr. William Acker, Executive Director, NY-BEST

• Dave Gahl, Senior Director of State Affairs, Northeast, SEIA

• John Broadbeck, Senior Manager of Transmission, EDPR

• Mike DeSocio, Senior Manager of Market Design at the NYISO

• Pete Fuller, Principal of Autumn Lane Energy Consulting

Working in collaboration with regional partner ACE NY, as well as AWEA and SEIA, on August 25 the ARA Jobs Tour delivered another event connecting New York policymakers to the job creation and economic benefits of the growing wind and solar industries in their state. New York’s ambitious 70% renewable energy by 2030 standard will require significant new in-state wind and solar development, which means upgraded and expanded transmission will be essential.

On a panel hosted by local legislative leaders, wind, solar, and hydropower developers and owner/operators highlighted the economic benefits of existing and future projects. Their presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session with local policymakers, including representatives from both chambers of the New York Legislature, staff from NYSERDA, NYISO, the Department of Public Service, the New York Green Bank and local sustainability organizations. These decision makers were also joined by renewable energy developers, labor representatives, academics and local utilities, with over 170 total attendees joining the call.

 

Moderator:

• Sean Garren, Senior Director Northeast, Vote Solar, Vote Solar Action Fund

Panelists:

• Kaley Bangston, Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Invenergy

• Emmett Smith, Founder, Northern Light & Power

• Marisa Scavo, Project Developer, Northeast, Cypress Creek

• Ross Gould, Director, Energy and Environment, Workforce Development Institute

• Frederick Zalcman, Head of Government Affairs NA, Offshore, Ørsted

Clean Energy Requires a New Grid: Building Renewables in New York

Hosted by ACE NY, ACORE and SEIA, the virtual town hall attracted over 270 participants, including a New York Department of Public Service (DPS) Commissioner, key staff from the DPS, the NY State Senate and Assembly, NYSERDA, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Budget Office, as well as utilities, transmission developers, public power, wind and solar developers, labor, environmental nonprofits, local law firms, and grassroots environmental advocates.

 

Featured Speakers Included:

Welcoming Remarks, Senate Kevin Parker, Chair of NYS Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee

Keynote: Ali Zaidi, Deputy Secretary for Energy and Environment, Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo

Panelists:

• Bart Franey, Director of Transmission Planning, Asset Management, Systems, and Data, National Grid (View Presentation)
• Rodica Donaldson, Senior Director, Commercial Transmission and Analytics, EDF Renewables North America (View Presentation)
• Ryan Piche, Lewis County Manager, New York