NEW YORK (WKBW) — A new initiative has been unveiled by the New York State, designed to help residents save on their electricity bills. However, the benefits of this program are not expected to be seen until around 2026.
As per Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Public Service Commission has given the green light to the New York Power Authority’s proposal to launch the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help program, or REACH for short. The primary objective of this program is to offer electric bill credits to low-income New Yorkers residing in disadvantaged communities.
The governor’s office further elaborated that the PSC has set up a regulatory structure that enables electric utilities to obtain funds from the Power Authority. These funds will then be used to credit the electric bills of low-income ratepayers in disadvantaged communities.
Lindsay Kryzak, the Vice President of Corporate Communications for the New York Power Authority, explained that the REACH program is a key component of NYPA’s strategic plan to broaden the state’s renewable energy resources in line with Governor Hochul’s climate objectives.
“The REACH program is a crucial part of NYPA’s expanded mandate to develop renewable energy and ensure energy costs are affordable for all New Yorkers. As we navigate this energy transition, it’s vital that no New Yorkers are left behind,” she emphasized.
The plan involves the construction of new renewable energy generation projects as a preliminary step before the REACH program is rolled out.
“Our draft strategic plan includes an initial 40 projects spread across New York state. These projects, which encompass battery storage, wind, and solar, will create new renewable energy projects to guarantee that the energy is distributed statewide,” Kryzak added.
She further noted that once these renewable energy projects are operational, residents can expect to see these credits reflected in their bills, although this is not anticipated to commence until 2026.
A public hearing regarding this strategic plan is scheduled for next month in Lewiston. More details can be found on page 5 of the plan.
The program will adopt the same structure as the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and Statewide Solar for All program. According to the governor’s office, this will reduce costs for program administration and enable more funds to be received by low-income ratepayers.
*Editor’s note: This article has been updated following a conversation with the New York Power Authority to clarify that customers are not expected to see bill credits until at least 2026.*
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