Governor Hochul Announces Actions to Prepare New Yorkers for Rising Global Energy Costs this Winter - NYSERDA

2022-09-24 06:10:08 By : Ms. Sucy Sha

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new State actions to prepare New Yorkers for rising global energy costs and supply issues expected this winter. At Governor Hochul's direction, Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian sent letters  to Chief Executive Officers of New York State's largest utility companies, urging measures to mitigate the anticipated extreme commodity price increases over the winter and enhanced customer communications. The Governor also directed State agencies to convene fuel providers across the state to ensure adequate heating fuels are available this winter. New Yorkers can also take advantage of cost-efficient programs in anticipation of the winter to adopt energy efficiency and electrification solutions for homes and businesses.

"Just like the heat waves experienced earlier this summer, New Yorkers should be fully prepared this winter for rising global energy costs as temperatures drop and it takes more energy to heat their homes," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is working closely with partners across the state to make sure New Yorkers have access to assistance and programs that help manage these rising costs while keeping their homes warm during the colder months."

The global commodity costs of natural gas, heating oil, and propane have continued to rise, resulting in utility and heating cost increases, along with additional increases oil and gas prices. In his letter to utility companies, PSC Chair Christian is requiring that utilities enhance the reliability of the natural gas distribution systems during the upcoming winter heating season, which comes in response to the Governor's March directive for State agencies to find solutions to the expected increase in energy prices and potential supply issues related to home heating oil. Specifically, the state's utilities — including Con Edison, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, National Fuel Gas, and PSEG-LI — must undertake the following actions, among others, to mitigate the impact of potential oil supply disruptions:

PSC Chair Christian requested a response with recommendations for how each utility will execute on all of the actions by September 30, 2022.

New York State Public Services Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, "Global commodity prices are likely to stay inflated and rise during the winter heating season. It is therefore essential that utilities continue to have ongoing, robust communication with customers to help them access available assistance programs and be able to manage their energy costs. In preparation for this winter, utilities must also work with their "interruptible" customers, who by system design help to meet reliability needs during any periods of extreme cold weather by using alternate fuels."

In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Enforcement Discretion letter  to support efforts to address fuel supply and cost issues related to the new bioheating fuel law. The Enforcement Discretion letter alleviates the lack of compliant fuel, especially in northern regions of New York State, by providing a limited, one-year reprieve from the new bio-blending requirement. Enacted in late 2021, the new law establishes minimum levels of biodiesel in all heating oil for use in buildings to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "I applaud Governor Hochul for prioritizing actions to help vulnerable New York residents, businesses, and governments be prepared for the upcoming colder months, and DEC will continue to work with our partner agencies as we advance actions to ensure New York's energy security."

Governor Hochul is also directing State agencies, including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Department of Public Service, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, to meet with fuel providers to coordinate preparedness efforts ahead of the winter. State agencies will work closely with providers to ensure fuel supply inventories are brought up to appropriate level by the end of October in order to meet demand and minimize consumer concerns.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "NYSERDA provides residents and businesses with a slate of options that can help save energy, reduce electric and heating bills, increase comfort during frigid temperatures. We encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of these programs now which can provide relief to some the state's most underserved families during the times of the year when energy usage is at its highest."

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Governor Hochul's number on priority is keeping New Yorkers Safe. This winter, that means ensuring our critical infrastructure partners and individual households are prepared for a winter that may see rising energy costs and supply challenges. The State is coordinating across our agencies and partners to do everything we can to make sure New Yorkers are prepared for this winter including taking these steps to manage a less stable energy supply outlook."

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "New York winters are never easy, and the prospect of rising energy costs only makes the upcoming winter more daunting for those unsure about how they will afford to heat their home. The Home Energy Assistance Program is a lifeline to assist older adults, working families, and those struggling financially to cover higher home heating costs this winter."

As energy prices rise during the winter months, New Yorkers can take the following steps to protect against higher energy costs:

Visit NYSERDA for more information about the programs, funding and technical assistance available to assist homeowners, renters, and businesses manage their energy needs.

NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.