Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State

Agency Web Site: https://www.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 market development and innovation and research programs which are funded through the Clean Energy Fund. The Authority also administers clean and renewable energy initiatives pursuant to the Clean Energy Standard. In addition, the Authority will be a major player implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), signed into law by Governor Cuomo in July 2019.

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.

Organization and Staffing

NYSERDA is governed by a 13-member Board consisting of nine members nominated by the governor with the consent of the Senate and four ex-officio members, who include the commissioners of the departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation, the chair of the Public Service Commission, and the president and CEO of the Power Authority of the State of New York. The Board appoints a President and CEO.

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 $22.7 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 2021 Executive Budget recommends $18.2 million in Capital appropriations, an increase of approximately $500,000 from FY 2020 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)

Program Highlights

NYSERDA administers energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including:

Clean Energy Fund: This 10-year, $5 billion fund supported primarily by an assessment on gas and electric ratepayers, is designed to deliver on New York State’s commitment to reduce ratepayer collections, drive economic development, and accelerate the use of clean energy and energy innovation.

NY Green Bank: This $1 billion program is supported by the Clean Energy Fund and addresses gaps in clean energy financing markets through credit enhancement and loan loss reserves.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: A cap and trade program that supports clean energy investments through the quarterly auctioning of greenhouse gas emission allowances to power generators.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/29/2020