Two New York Utilities To Study Changes In Natural Gas, Evolution Of Utilities' Business, Due To Climate Law

New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) (collectively, the Companies), New York State Department of Public Service Staff, Multiple Intervenors, and certain ratepayer and green groups have filed a joint proposal in the Companies' electric and natural gas rates cases before the New York PSC, which would require the Companies to fund a study on how the natural gas business may change due to the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)

AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) oppose the JP

Under the JP, "the Companies agree that within eighteen months of a Commission Order approving the Joint Proposal in these rate cases, the Companies will prepare a report that evaluates how the Companies’ businesses may evolve in the decades ahead and which identifies the potential issues and strategies related to reducing natural gas usage and increasing electricity usage as an alternative and the modernization and expansion of the electric grid needed to support the widespread deployment of renewables and beneficial electrification."

"The report shall be developed in light of the renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions goals set forth by the CLCPA. The report shall provide a meaningful analysis of the scale, timing, and costs of achieving significant, quantifiable reductions in gas use, grid improvements necessary to achieve various levels of renewables deployment and beneficial electrification, and potential financing mechanisms," the JP states

Cases 19-E-0378 et al.