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Monday, November 10, 2025

Buffalo News from WKBW WHNY

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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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Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza is a dedicated journalist, known for his in-depth research and commitment to truth. A graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism, he specializes in revealing and reporting on significant local issues.
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