New York Utilities Seek to Own DG, Offer "Value-Added" Services

New York utilities have said that their role in the state's Reforming the Energy Vision framework should include ownership of distributed generation, and the offering of, "value-added services"

In joint filed comments, Central Hudson, Consolidated Edison, New York State Electric & Gas, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric said that, "Essential services should not be limited to just those services provided by the utilities today, but should include additional services deemed best administered by the utilities to advance the State's policy objectives. These may include such things as educating customers on demand side management opportunities, delivery of energy efficiency programs, and ownership of DG when beneficial for customers."

Additionally, the utilities said of value-added services that, "Utilities, utility affiliates, and third parties may also provide competitive value-added services that do not necessarily depend on regulated assets and are sold at market prices."