New York Commission Announces Grid Planning for Electrification
By proactively addressing infrastructure needs, New York aims to lower utility bills and support significant electrification.
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The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has initiated a new proceeding to address the evolving energy demands resulting from the electrification of transportation and buildings. This initiative aims to proactively identify and develop the necessary grid infrastructure to support these changes. As more New Yorkers opt for electric vehicles and electric heating, the PSC is ensuring that the state’s utilities are prepared to meet these demands.
The commission’s new statewide, collaborative planning framework will guide utilities in expanding their systems to accommodate new energy loads. This framework emphasizes the importance of leveraging shared information and best practices to coordinate efforts across different geographies and service territories. The goal is to identify and implement timely electric grid upgrades that support electrification across various economic sectors.
A key component of this initiative is the integration of granular and local load forecasting into the planning process. This approach will complement and integrate with the existing Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP), resulting in a more efficient resource plan for New York’s transmission and distribution systems. By combining detailed electric vehicle (EV) planning with the CGPP, the commission aims to evaluate the totality of upgrades needed to meet the state’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission targets as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act).
The PSC has directed major utilities to file proposals for a long-term coordinated planning process. These proposals must study and identify necessary upgrades to support electrification, accounting for new electrification loads beyond just the transportation sector. This includes the electrification of buildings and industrial loads that contribute to economic development and system upgrade needs.
Utilities are expected to submit their proposals within three months, outlining urgent upgrades required in their territories. A subsequent filing, due in four months, will describe the long-term planning processes needed to support the state’s electrification goals. The proposals will include assumptions, methods, and necessary data and timelines to carry out the studies effectively.
By proactively addressing these infrastructure needs, the PSC aims to lower utility bills and enable significant levels of electrification, aligning with consumer choices and the state’s climate goals. This forward-thinking approach ensures that New York’s grid infrastructure evolves to meet the demands of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Source: T&D World
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