Open a proceeding to establish a renewable energy credit program.

On May 29, 2020, the PSC opened a proceeding to consider the establishment of a Host Community Benefit Program for municipalities within which major renewable energy facilities are constructed. On February 11, 2021, the PSC issued an order adopting the new program.

Statutory Language: 

AREGCBA § 8(2): "The public service commission shall, within 60 days from the effective date hereof, commence a proceeding to  establish  a  program  under which  renewable  owners  would  fund a program to provide a discount or credit on the utility bills of the utility's customers  in  a  renewable host  community,  or  a  compensatory  or environmental benefit to such customers. Such proceeding shall determine the amount of such  discount, credit,  compensatory  or  environmental  benefit  based  on all factors deemed appropriate by the commission,  including  the  expected  average electrical output of the facility, the average number of customers within the renewable host community, and the expected aggregate annual electric  consumption  within  such  renewable host community, the potential impact on environmental justice communities, and the role of  utilities, if  any,  in  implementing  any  aspect of such program. The Long Island power authority shall establish a program for  renewable  facilities  in its service territory to achieve the same objectives."