Directs the public service commission, in consultation with the New York State energy research and development authority, to create an agrivoltaics incentive program to support agrivoltaic projects designed to maximize agricultural and environmental co-benefits.
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.
Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.
Provides that the New York state energy research and development authority shall provide information to residential and commercial consumers regarding renewable energy technology incentive and affordability programs through a variety of methods, including brochures, posters, social media, television ads, and public ambassadors.
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.
Establishes a municipal solar planning grant program for municipalities to receive grants for plans to develop solar energy systems on agricultural land and commercially-zoned properties in such municipalities; creates a database to track such solar energy system distribution.
Relates to enacting the "New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program act"; provides that the department of environmental conservation shall develop guidance for a photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program to guide manufacturers in preparing and implementing a self-directed program to ensure the convenient, safe, and environmentally sound take-back and recycling of photovoltaic modules and their components and materials; establishes the photovoltaic module recycling account for the purpose of paying all costs of the department of environmental conservation for management and administration of the New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program.
Requires utility service providers to disclose planned rate increases to consumers within thirty days before a planned price increase takes effect; requires utility providers to provide contact information and a mechanism to cancel service completely.
Establishes the New York state energy savings program authorizing the establishment of energy savings accounts; establishes a personal income tax deduction for deposits into such accounts.
Provides for a state workforce fuel reduction and conservation program which will develop and assist in implementing strategies to reduce fuel consumption by the state's motor vehicle fleet and to reduce solo trips between work and home by state employees; requires reporting to the governor and legislature.
