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Grid of Future Meeting Held
At the June 25, 2026, Grid of the Future Technical Conference, discussions focused on implementation, stakeholder engagement, policy alignment, and market participation, for the proposed Grid of the Future Plan.
See Meeting Recording and Slides here.
See meeting agenda here.
As reported previously, the NYPSC launched the Grid of the Future Proceeding (Case 24-E-0165) in April 2024. This proceeding aimed at building on the Reforming the Energy Vision initiative and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The proceeding is intended to integrate flexible resources into grid planning to support New York’s electrification and clean energy goals.
Proceeding Phases:
Phase 1: Grid Flexibility Study: Evaluated flexible load potential and barriers to flexibility and was issued 1/31/25.
Phase 2: DSIP Assessment: Assessed regulatory opportunities and challenges and recommended improvements to the DSIP process. The First Iteration of the Grid of the Future Plan was released on 3/31/25.
Phase 3: Comprehensive Grid of the Future Plan: Establishes a roadmap for unlocking flexibility and tracking progress. The final plan is due 10/30/26.
Phase 4: Research, Development, Tests, and Demonstrations: Evaluates technical and commercial approaches for DER orchestration.
The Comprehensive Grid of the Future Plan builds on Phase 1 (Grid Flexibility Study) and Phase 2 (DSIP Assessment) is aimed at identifying capability gaps, remove barriers to flexibility, and guide utility implementation. The Plan establishes a transparent framework for tracking progress and updating priorities as New York’s electric system evolves. The framework identifies capabilities across five domains; electrical, digital, regulatory, commercial, and customer and uses a maturity model to measure progress. Advancement is driven by key system tipping points, such as load growth, DER adoption, and data-sharing needs.
Utilities are expected to forecast tipping points, update investment plans, and develop capabilities that enable flexibility at scale. Regulators will monitor progress with utility plans against system needs to ensure reliability, affordability, and clean energy goals are met. For other market participants, the plan highlights emerging flexibility opportunities and clarifies where participation in evolving markets and utility-led initiatives may be possible.
Within 60–120 Days: Utilities will be required to provide capability maps and gap analyses, initiate DSIP rulemaking, develop public dashboard specifications, and issue priority RD&T funding opportunities.
By October 30, 2026: Publish the Comprehensive Grid of the Future Plan.
2027: Utilities file capability implementation plans and begin pilots.
Guidehouse indicated that NYPSC action on the proceeding is likely at least 12 months away, but near-term actions should advance without waiting for the proceeding to conclude. The plan is intended to be technology-agnostic and measured through capability maturity indicators, with participation by non-utility aggregators anticipated.
