The New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State's public power agency, recently released an updated renewable energy strategy, significantly increasing its target installed capacity from 3.3 GW to 6.6 GW, in response to widespread public criticism that the initial draft was insufficient.
According to the newly released Renewable Energy Strategy Update, NYPA will advance a portfolio of 7 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects. The original draft, released in January, only planned 3.3 GW, of which 2.8 GW were solar projects.
The updated draft adds 17 solar arrays, 3 wind projects, and 156 energy storage systems (4 of which are stand-alone projects), contributing an additional 3.8 GW of capacity and strengthening its project portfolio in Downstate New York.
This adjustment stems from growing public pressure. NYPA's initial plan was criticized as being one-fifth less than what the public and organizations had expected. The Public Power NY Coalition stated in a statement that NYPA initially did not provide sufficient explanation for the limited 3.3 GW plan.
NYPA's authority to develop, own, and operate renewable energy projects began with the Build Public Renewables Act, included in the 2023-2024 New York State Budget. This authorization is the culmination of four years of clean energy policy advancement. NYPA exercised this authority for the first time earlier this year, acquiring its first wholly-owned project.
The act aims to help New York State build at least 15 gigawatts of public renewable energy projects by 2030, in line with the goals set out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
On July 29th, the NYPA Board of Governors and the New York State Canal Corporation Board of Directors held a joint meeting to discuss renewable energy development and other topics. A board member noted that NYPA had addressed criticism of the initial draft and doubled its planned renewable energy capacity.
Christopher Hutson, NYPA's Senior Vice President of Development, stated at the meeting that several projects in NYPA's existing project pipeline are nearing maturity and are expected to qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) by July 2026.
Amid continued public scrutiny, the New York State Legislature passed the Public Renewables Transparency Act in June of this year. If signed by Governor Hochul, the bill will strengthen oversight of NYPA's plans.
NYPA also launched its annual consultation process, encouraging the public to consider the new draft plan during discussions with NYPA on its energy project development. The 2023 and 2024 consultation reports are now available to the public.
The public comment period for the revised plan will run until September 12, 2025. The public can submit feedback through NYPA's Strategic Planning Commentary Platform. NYPA has also re-issued a call for proposals from private developers, including community-based developers and investors, to collaborate on solar, energy storage, and wind projects. NYPA reports that 94 developers and investors have prequalified to date. The call will run until September 30.
NYPA will hold a virtual public hearing on August 19 and 20. Interested speakers can schedule an appointment on the NYPA website. The final plan will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a vote on December 9, 2025.
According to NYPA, it accounts for 22% of New York State's electricity generation, making it one of the largest public power utilities in the United States. Meanwhile, the New York State government has just released a draft of its State Energy Master Plan, which is also currently under public comment.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State's public power agency, recently released an updated renewable energy strategy, significantly increasing its target installed capacity from 3.3 GW to 6.6 GW, in response to widespread public criticism that the initial draft was insufficient.
According to the newly released Renewable Energy Strategy Update, NYPA will advance a portfolio of 7 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects. The original draft, released in January, only planned 3.3 GW, of which 2.8 GW were solar projects.
The updated draft adds 17 solar arrays, 3 wind projects, and 156 energy storage systems (4 of which are stand-alone projects), contributing an additional 3.8 GW of capacity and strengthening its project portfolio in Downstate New York.
This adjustment stems from growing public pressure. NYPA's initial plan was criticized as being one-fifth less than what the public and organizations had expected. The Public Power NY Coalition stated in a statement that NYPA initially did not provide sufficient explanation for the limited 3.3 GW plan.
NYPA's authority to develop, own, and operate renewable energy projects began with the Build Public Renewables Act, included in the 2023-2024 New York State Budget. This authorization is the culmination of four years of clean energy policy advancement. NYPA exercised this authority for the first time earlier this year, acquiring its first wholly-owned project.
The act aims to help New York State build at least 15 gigawatts of public renewable energy projects by 2030, in line with the goals set out in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
On July 29th, the NYPA Board of Governors and the New York State Canal Corporation Board of Directors held a joint meeting to discuss renewable energy development and other topics. A board member noted that NYPA had addressed criticism of the initial draft and doubled its planned renewable energy capacity.
Christopher Hutson, NYPA's Senior Vice President of Development, stated at the meeting that several projects in NYPA's existing project pipeline are nearing maturity and are expected to qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) by July 2026.
Amid continued public scrutiny, the New York State Legislature passed the Public Renewables Transparency Act in June of this year. If signed by Governor Hochul, the bill will strengthen oversight of NYPA's plans.
NYPA also launched its annual consultation process, encouraging the public to consider the new draft plan during discussions with NYPA on its energy project development. The 2023 and 2024 consultation reports are now available to the public.
The public comment period for the revised plan will run until September 12, 2025. The public can submit feedback through NYPA's Strategic Planning Commentary Platform. NYPA has also re-issued a call for proposals from private developers, including community-based developers and investors, to collaborate on solar, energy storage, and wind projects. NYPA reports that 94 developers and investors have prequalified to date. The call will run until September 30.
NYPA will hold a virtual public hearing on August 19 and 20. Interested speakers can schedule an appointment on the NYPA website. The final plan will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a vote on December 9, 2025.
According to NYPA, it accounts for 22% of New York State's electricity generation, making it one of the largest public power utilities in the United States. Meanwhile, the New York State government has just released a draft of its State Energy Master Plan, which is also currently under public comment.
