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, NYSERDA administers market development and innovation and research programs which are funded through the Clean Energy Fund. NYSERDA also administers clean and renewable energy initiatives pursuant to the Clean Energy Standard. In addition, it is a major player in the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

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.

NYSERDA'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. NYSERDA also administers several initiatives such as: Fuel NY; Charge NY; Renewable Heat NY; NY-Sun; Green-Jobs Green New York; EmPower NY; and the Cleaner, Greener Communities program.

Organization and Staffing

NYSERDA is governed by a 13-member board consisting of 9 members nominated by the Governor with the consent of the Senate and 4 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 the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Power Authority of the State of New York. The NYSERDA board appoints its President and CEO.

Major Programs

NYSERDA administers energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including:

Clean Energy Fund

This 10-year, $5 billion resource - 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 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.

Off-Shore Wind

NYSERDA is leading the coordination of offshore wind opportunities in New York State and is supporting the development of 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035 in a responsible and cost-effective manner.

Budget Highlights

To meet the State share 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, the Executive Budget recommends a capital projects appropriation of $25.8 million.

Through Article VII legislation, NYSERDA will receive $35.8 million in 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, the Fuel NY program, and the creation of a Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development. This revenue also provides for the continued support of the Department of Environmental Conservation's Climate Change Office.

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

Briefing Book – Environment, Energy, Parks, and Agriculture

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/21/2025