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New York is about to shine a whole lot brighter. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has officially adopted the Statewide Solar for All program, a bold initiative designed to supercharge solar energy and retail energy storage projects across the state. This marks a major milestone in New York’s mission to expand access to clean energy, with a particular focus on helping low-income communities cut their electric bills.
How It Works:
The Statewide Solar for All program will be rolled out by New York’s investor-owned utilities, targeting customers enrolled in the Electric Energy Affordability Program (EAP). But that’s not all – the PSC also took steps to enhance the state’s Community Distributed Generation (CDG) program, giving more New Yorkers the chance to benefit from community solar projects.
“We are ensuring more New Yorkers than ever before will have access to clean, solar energy so we can build a healthy future. The Statewide Solar for All program will generate significant benefits for our health, our environment, our economy, and for the thousands of New Yorkers who will see lower electric bills.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
Solar for All
Lower Costs, Bigger Benefits
According to PSC Chair Rory M. Christian, the program isn’t just about adding more solar panels to rooftops – it’s about making solar affordable and accessible.
“The Statewide Solar for All program approved today will reduce costs to install solar power, increase operational efficiencies, and provide equitable access to community solar. The initiative’s focus on energy affordability fits within a balanced community solar policy by prioritizing benefits for low-income households and driving the growth of community solar.”
PSC Chair Rory M. Christian
One key feature? CDG storage projects can now participate, simplifying the process and ensuring bill savings for low-income customers while also enhancing grid reliability.
Steps to Go Solar in New York
What’s in It for New Yorkers?
The program’s model combines the utility-managed Energy Affordability Program (EAP) with market-based community solar, streamlining the delivery of clean energy savings directly to low-income households. In the initial phase, EAP customers living in disadvantaged communities will see electric bill credits, to eventually provide at least $40 in annual bill credits to over 800,000 households.
Here’s how it works:
- Renewable energy credits are pooled and distributed to EAP customers’ bills.
- Low-income customers can stack savings by participating in both the EAP Solar for All program and an opt-in CDG project.
More Flexibility for Solar Developers
The PSC has also given CDG developers the green light to offer up to three different savings rates for opt-in subscribers. Within a year, utilities will need to support this flexible pricing based on the electricity supply costs for CDG projects. This move is expected to boost the solar industry in New York and expand access to community solar for even more households.
Governor Hochul’s office believes this bold step will accelerate the growth of New York’s solar sector and ensure that low-income families reap the rewards of clean energy, lower bills, and a healthier environment.
