N.Y. Energy Law § 6-108: Supplemental studies for future energy planning

§ 6-108. Supplemental studies for future energy planning. The board

shall undertake the following studies to supplement information for

future energy planning:

1. On or before September first, two thousand twelve, and every four

years thereafter, the board shall undertake a study of the overall

reliability of the state's electric transmission and distribution

system. The board may contract with an independent and competitively

selected contractor to undertake such study. The board shall prepare a

report on such study's findings and legislative recommendations. The

board shall transmit such report along with the reliability study to the

governor, the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the

senate, the chair of the assembly energy committee, and the chair of the

senate energy and telecommunications committee.

2. Such study shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of each of

the following:

(a) the current and projected reliability of the electric power system

over the term of the planning period, with specific focus on

transmission systems and distribution systems within the state. The

assessment shall examine: (i) investment in infrastructure, including

capital improvements, expansions, and maintenance; and (ii) workforce

utilization.

(b) the potential impact of the following on distribution system

reliability and on each factor enumerated in paragraph (a) of this

subdivision: (i) distributed electric generation, especially generation

using renewable or innovative energy resources; (ii) energy conservation

and efficiency; (iii) load control and peak saving measures; (iv)

corporate reorganization of electric utilities; (v) performance

ratemaking, multi-year rate agreements, and other departures from

traditional regulatory mechanisms; and (vi) large scale industrial

development.

(c) the potential impact of the following on transmission system

reliability: (i) each factor enumerated in paragraph (b) of this

subdivision; (ii) changes in protocols for electricity dispatched

through the BSO or its successor or successors; (iii) accommodation of

proposed new electric generation facilities or repowering or life

extension of existing facilities; and (iv) the market-driven nature of

decisions to build, size, and locate such facilities.

3. The board and any contractors it may retain for such purposes shall

consult with entities that have resources and expertise to assist in

such study, including, but not limited to, the BSO, public utilities,

and any other electric company or trade organizations.

(a) The Long Island power authority, the power authority of the state

of New York, the department of public service, and the BSO shall

cooperate with the board and its contractor.

(b) The Long Island power authority and the power authority of the

state of New York are authorized, as deemed feasible and advisable by

their respective boards, to make a voluntary contribution toward the

study.