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On May 8, 2026, ConEd filed a 2026 Bulk Storage Solicitation Notification Letter announcing to stakeholders its intent to release a new Utility Dispatch Rights Request for Proposal for transmission connected storage systems that will begin commercial operations by year-end 2030. This Request for Proposal (RFP) incorporates updates from the Public Service Commission’s June 20, 2024, Storage Order, 1 following the Commission’s initial December 13, 2018 Order authorizing periodic Utility Dispatch Rights solicitations. The Company views such projects as critical opportunities to facilitate the deployment of higher-value storage.

The announcement also informs parties that ConEd will host a webinar on June 5, 2026.

Developer questions about the Request for Proposal can be emailed to bulkstoragerfp@coned.com.  by May 29, 2026.

ConEd will use those questions as guidance to help shape webinar material. Any interested bidders can register for and access the webinar (Con Edison Webinar for 2026 UDR Solicitation) at the following web address:

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0fea32bb-582a-4b26-9069- ee33b21f7df3@e9aef9b7-25ca-4518-a881-33e546773136.

Previously, on May 4, 2026 parties filed comments on NY-BEST’s January 2026 Energy Storage in Con Ed – Whitepaper published on January 13, 2026 entitled Unlocking Distributed Energy Storage to Address Reliability Needs in New York City.

New Yorkers for Clean Power urges the NYPSC to take prompt action, consistent with the requests outlined in NY-BEST’s 1/13/26 filing. Specifically, the NYPSC should direct Con Edison to immediately restore its pre-August 2025 CESIR interconnection methodology and remove the 70% substation capacity threshold. The NYPSC should also initiate a 6–12-month stakeholder process to modernize interconnection so that energy storage is treated as a flexible, controllable reliability resource. In addition, utility incentive structures should be revised to better align Con Edison’s financial interests with cost-effective outcomes for ratepayers.

 NYPA recommended that the NYPSC direct Staff to convene the Interconnection Technical Working Group to further evaluate the assumptions underlying the new rule and assess whether the 70% threshold is being applied equitably. NYPA also emphasizes that distributed batteries participating in the value stack differ from traditional loads, as they both withdraw electricity for charging and inject power back into the grid. In recognition of this unique operational profile, NYPA recommends that the NYPSC direct utilities to develop withdrawal rules that align with storage charging behavior, allowing for a defined contract demand level. NYPA underscores that energy storage can serve as a valuable grid asset to support New York’s goals emissions reduction.

The City commented that the NYPSC should grant the relief requested by NY-BEST and adopt an approach that removes the barriers Con Edison has improperly imposed. The City also urges the NYPSC to revise the standardized interconnection requirements to better reflect full capabilities of battery storage resources, and to explore opportunities to improve Con Edison’s interconnection processes.

The Joint Utilities commented that although the petition focuses on energy storage interconnections within Con Edison’s service area, any changes to the New York’s standardized interconnection requirements would affect all Joint Utilities. Furthermore, that multiple ongoing stakeholder forums are already addressing interconnection issues and the role of energy storage and these existing venues are better suited for comprehensive policy discussions.

Con Edison commented that the NYPSC should deny both petitions. Con Edison has already addressed the request to revert to a prior interconnection evaluation methodology in its notice on SIR energy storage, as well as in its reply comments to the emergency petition and the Joint Utilities’ comments. Additionally, the Petitioner’s request for Con Edison to adopt curved charging profiles should also be denied. Finally, stating that the proposal to establish a new stakeholder process to reform is unnecessary.

NY-BEST stated that restricting battery storage development harms New Yorkers, argued that Con Edison’s two-part test is based on flawed reasoning, and noted that the utility lacks financial incentives to enable battery storage as an alternative to traditional infrastructure expansion.

The Solar Energy Industries Association and the Coalition for Community Solar Access filed joint comments strongly aligned with NY-BEST, and echo the recommendations put forward in their January 13, 2026 filing.

Read all comments filed at docket link here.

Questions about ISCRFP25-1 or the Bulk Energy Storage Program can be directed to bulkstorage@nyserda.ny.gov.

Previously on April 20, 2026, Con Edison filed  proposed amendments to its Electric Tariff, applicable to customers in the City of New York and Westchester County and a statement of demand response incentives in connection with the Electric Tariff, effective May 1, 2026.