New York Commission Approves Climate Resiliency Plans of Major Utilities

The New York State Public Service Commission on Dec. 19 approved climate change resiliency plans filed by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York or Con Edison, National Grid, and Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R).

In its order, the commission rejected Con Edison and O&R’s proposal to develop a Storm Resiliency Center by 2030 with an estimated project cost of $177 million. The commission argued that the center does not increase system reliability and lacks the support of local communities or relevant stakeholders.

For Central Hudson’s plan, the commission instructed the utility to incorporate implementation- and outcome-based performance benchmarks for all proposed resilience measures and provide more detailed processes, planning, and design changes with respect to climate change projections. The utility estimates that its climate resiliency measures would cost $23 million in capital expenditures and $5.4 million for operations and maintenance in the first five years of implementation.

State legislation requires electric utility companies to assess how climate change-induced risks such as extreme weather events will impact electric infrastructure, and prepare climate resiliency plans to mitigate climate risks. The commission launched a proceeding to implement this legislation and review the plans of each utility.

The order requires each utility to submit up-to-date climate resiliency plans every five years. Utilities will recover the costs of implementing climate resiliency measures in rate proceedings. The commission ordered New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation to submit revised plans within the next 90 days from the date of the decision.