Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State

Agency Web Site: https://nyserda.ny.gov/

Mission

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) facilitates change through the widespread development and use of innovative technologies to improve the State’s energy, economic and environmental well-being.

As part of its central mission, the Authority administers energy efficiency, technology development, and market development programs, which are primarily funded through the System Benefits Charge, and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Portfolio Standard programs.

Energy research, development and demonstration programs are managed by the Authority and funded primarily by assessments on gas and electric utilities. The Authority also issues tax-exempt bonds on behalf of investor-owned utilities for eligible capital improvements.

The Authority’s responsibilities include the development and analysis of energy policy options, the monitoring of fuel supplies, the management of the former nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at West Valley in Cattaraugus County and the management of the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park (STEP) in Saratoga County. The Authority also administers several of the Governor’s initiatives such as: Fuel NY; Charge NY; Renewable Heat NY; NY-Sun; Green Jobs Green New York; and the Cleaner, Greener Communities program.

Budget Highlights

Through Article VII legislation, the Authority will continue to receive revenue from a special assessment on gas and electric corporations for expenditures related to the energy research, development and demonstration program, local grants, the energy policy and planning program, and the Fuel NY program. As per the legislation, this revenue, not to exceed $19.7 million, will be remitted directly to the Authority and will not be appropriated through the State budget. This legislation also provides for the continued support of the Department of Environmental Conservation's climate change office and the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

The FY 2017 Executive Budget recommends $13.4 million in Capital appropriations, an increase of approximately $900,000 from FY 2016 levels, to meet the State's requirements of a Federal cost sharing agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for the management and administration of the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at West Valley.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Environment and Energy (PDF)

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/13/2016

Click for additional detailed appropriation tables