New York State PSC launches plan requiring utilities to perform climate vulnerability studies
The New York State Public Service Commission launched an initiative requiring major electric utilities to perform climate vulnerability studies to help prepare for the expected increase in severe weather from climate change.
After that, based on the studies, they will be required to submit implementation plans detailing what changes the utility needs to make to prepare for harsher climate realities, including stronger storms and more flooding.
“The studies that will be conducted and the plans that will be submitted will detail how each of the major electric utilities will incorporate climate change into planning, design, operations, and emergency response,” Commission Chair Rory Christian said. “Incorporating climate change into existing processes and practices will help manage climate change risks and build resilience.”
Adherence to such plans, said the commission, will enable electric utilities and their electric service customers to be better prepared and respond better, which will reduce restoration costs. Both the studies and plans will be subject to public review.
The studies will be submitted by Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Consolidated Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, and Orange & Rockland by September 2023, evaluating each electric corporation’s infrastructure, design specifications, and procedures to better understand the electric system’s vulnerability to climate-driven risks. Then, each utility must file a climate vulnerability and resiliency plan to address the results/conclusions of the study for the next 10 and 20-year periods by Nov. 21, 2023.
Before that, each utility is required to establish a working group concerning issues and development of each plan by March 22, 2023. Ultimately, by Oct. 21, 2024, the commission will either approve or modify the plans following a public hearing. After that, each company must file an updated storm plan with the commission for approval at least every five years.
