As the federal government has shied away from confronting climate change, the responsibility is starting to fall on the individual states and their own climate initiatives. A big part of the effort to mitigate climate change can come through the adoption of renewable energies like solar and wind. New York is one such state that has a robust energy plan and has been working to reform its energy vision for the coming decades.
The purpose of New Yorks energy plan is to build a clean, more resilient, and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. Right now, a large portion of energy is produced through unclean sources, like coal and oil. The focus is to phase these sources out and instead focus primarily on solar and other renewable sources. This plan, and similar plans across the nation, are great ways for citizens to see how they can fit into the collective effort for 100% renewable energy adoption.
New York State Energy Plan
In 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo initiated New Yorks energy policy, called Reforming the Energy Vision (REV). REV focuses on building an integrated energy network that combines the benefits of the central grid and clean, locally generated power. It proposes a partnership between government and industry to achieve the goal of a stronger economy and cleaner environment.
The aim of New Yorks energy plan is to meet the following goals by 2030:
40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels
50% of electricity will come from renewable energy resources
600 trillion Btu increase in statewide energy efficiency
These goals will be met through a combination of state and private efforts, which will be largely fueled by investments through REV. The energy plan also includes things like:
Policy recommendations to guide efforts for advancing new energy technologies
Addressing energy concerns and provide info on the states initiatives
Energy supply and demand forecasts
Statewide greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerabilities of the energy system
Information on the environmental health impacts that are related to energy use and production
The hope with REV is to help consumers, businesses, and other entities make better choices about energy. It will also create incentives for the development of new energy products and services to help meet these goals.
Where Is New York Now?
Since 2014, when the energy policy was initiated, NY has already made some big moves in their efforts to adopt renewable energy solutions to meet their goals. There are many different renewable energy sources that are involved in this plan. Some of the highlights include:
Land-Based Wind Power – Wind turbines are used to generate a clean and renewable source of electricity that emits zero greenhouse gases. There are currently 21 large wind projects in New York, which contribute 1,754 megawatts of electricity to the grid. There are also more than 200 small projects for homes, farms, and businesses.
Hydroelectric Power – Hydroelectric power is generated by the force of falling or flowing water. In New York, there are over 300 hydropower stations. The largest hydropower station is the Robert Moses Niagara plant.
Solar Power – Solar power is produced when sunlight makes contact with photovoltaic cells. Solar is one of those most widely available sources of energy that is also renewable and non-polluting. In New York, solar energy is contributing significantly to helping them meet their renewable energy goals. Solar sourced energy in New York State has increased by almost 800% from 2012 to 2017.
More On New York Solar
One of the best ways to make an impact as an individual is to adopt solar at your own home. The first step is to find solar providers near you. Once you have found the right solar options, you can have the panels set up in just a matter of days. New York state also provides many incentives for homeowners.
On top of helping New York meet their goal, as a solar owner, you will also see many financial benefits like long-term savings and an increase in your homes value.
Do Your Part
New York State is doing a lot to develop renewable energy in the state, and you can contribute to this vision of sustainability by going solar. Solar energy is a huge part of the renewable energy landscape and will amount to a large portion of New Yorks energy demands. Solar is one of the easiest forms of clean and renewable energy to be adopted on a massive scale, so do not hesitate in making the switch to solar!
The California Solar Mandate: Everything You Need to Know
Many states are paving the way towards a cleaner, emissions-free, and sustainable future. They are actively addressing climate change and innovating new solutions to fit...
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) in New Jersey
Believe it or not, solar renewable energy certificates are among some of the best solar incentives in New Jersey. At 15.78¢/kWh, electricity rates are 32.83%...
What is California's Solar Bill of Rights? Here's Everything You Need to...
California state leaders keep proving again and again that the Golden State is the best state for solar and clean energy innovation. First, state regulators required...
Massachusetts SMART Solar Program: Complete Overview of New Incentive
Massachusetts extremely successful Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) II Program closed, but this doesnt mark the end of the states commitment to clean energy. The...
BREAKING: California Governor Signs SB100 for 100% Renewable Power by 2045
California legislators are making strides in fulfilling their commitment to electricity generated from zero-carbon sources. The new deadline? 2045. After Governor Brown’s signature today, Senator...
Mayor Garcetti and LADWP Launch New Attic Insulation Incentive
There’s no question that Los Angeles is heating up. Increasingly frequent heat waves, wildfires, and power outages throughout the greater Los Angeles area have put excess...
LADWP Solar Incentive Program Ends Beginning of 2019
Solar.com’s office building, the La Kretz Innovation Campus, is in fact owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. It’s exciting for us...
Solar Tariffs Update 2018: Protecting American Solar Jobs Act
You probably heard about the solar tariffs when they made headlines earlier this year. There’s a new update worth mentioning. The Protecting American Solar...
New York City's Solar Property Tax Abatement Ends Soon
UPDATE: On November 5, 2018, the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Assembly Bill A10150 and extended the New York City Property Tax Abatement two...
Con Edison’s Megawatt Block Incentive is Lowering Soon
Since 2014, Con Edison has given its customers in New York access to NY-Sun’s Megawatt Block Incentive, which gives solar panel owners a rebate based...
LADWP wants to encourage Angelenos to choose clean energy. Solar energy contributes to a healthier city and supports the burgeoning local solar industry. If you...
Free Home Energy Improvements from Los Angeles DWP
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will work with eligible customers to upgrade their home electricity and water efficiency for free. Does it...
Washington State recently announced major changes to their solar incentive programs that will go into effect this October. While some incentives have been discontinued, new...
UPDATE: For our latest article on Washington incentives, please visit here. Amidst newly announced incentive programs, solar in Washington is hot right now. I know...
Thanks to its progressive policies, New York ranked tenth in the country for cumulative solar installed last year. In 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomos Clean Energy...
It's Time to Consider Going Solar in Washington D.C.
DC has become one of the most attractive areas to go solar. Here’s why: Washington DC has experienced a sustained SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit)...
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center just released its comprehensive The 50 States of Solar: Q1 2017 Quarterly Report. It provides a detailed look...
LA County's New, Cheaper Energy Option for SoCal Edison Customers
Southern California Edison (SCE) ratepayers in Los Angeles County soon will have a different method of getting electricity from a new government-executed energy utility...
Minnesota's Solar Incentives and Benefits Are Better Than Ever
Minnesota has historically relied on unstable fossil fuels for electricity. However, as concerns over localized pollution and climate change have risen in the land of...
The Nuts and Bolts of California's Self Generation Incentive Program
California is taking a bold step toward solar energy self-consumption. On May 1st, California will accept applications for a limited time rebate program that rewards...
If you are a homeowner anywhere in Washington state, you are sitting on an untapped goldmine of opportunity. Youll be happy to hear that Washington...
The future looks bright for going solar in Rhode Island. The State’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF) is incentivizing solar energy investments throughout the State through...
Time of Use Rate Impact on Residential Electricity Costs: A Southern California...
Southern California Edison (SCE), one of California’s three biggest investor-owned utilities, has created optional Time of Use rate schedules for residential customers. The new schedules...
NYC Solar Incentives and Property Tax Abatement for Solar Photovoltaics
New York state government passed legislation allowing for a property tax abatement on solar PV equipment expenditures. Enacted in 2008, the legislation dictates that buildings...
There’s no sugarcoating what happened in Nevada late last year. State regulators slashed rates for supplying solar energy to the grid, rates that homeowners expect...
This afternoon, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released an updated proposed decision on Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0. Here are the key takeaways from...