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PSC Adopts Initial Utility Thermal Energy Networks Rules; Advances New York’s Commitment To Decarbonize Buildings Across The State
The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) adopted initial Utility Thermal Energy Networks (UTENs) rules as required by the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act of 2022. The Commission’s action creates fair market access rules for utility-owned thermal energy networks to accept thermal energy; identifies small-scale thermal energy networks that will be exempt from Commission regulation at this time; promotes the training and transition of utility workers impacted by this act; and encourages third-party participation and competition where it will maximize benefits to customers.
“Utility thermal energy networks are expected to advance creative and innovative alternatives to decarbonize buildings across the State,” Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said. “Utility thermal energy networks present an opportunity for utilities to provide thermal energy to customers rather than relying on natural gas or other fossil fuels to meet their space heating and cooling, and domestic hot water needs. While there is much to learn and further actions will be needed to foster a fully functioning thermal energy market in New York, today we take the first steps in a regulatory framework to build towards that future.”
As part of this process, and consistent with the Act, the Commission directed the seven largest, investor-owned utilities — Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, National Grid USA (Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY, and KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid), Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation — to initially submit at least one, and as many as five proposed pilot utility thermal energy network projects, with at least one such pilot project per utility service territory located in a disadvantaged community.
Press Release (07/18/2024)
Case Number 22-M-0429
