New York
Incentives/Policies for Renewable Energy
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Last DSIRE Review: 09/09/2009
| Incentive Type: |
Interconnection |
| State: |
New York |
| Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: |
Solar Thermal Electric,
Photovoltaics,
Landfill Gas,
Wind,
Biomass,
Hydroelectric,
Geothermal Electric,
Fuel Cells,
Municipal Solid Waste,
CHP/Cogeneration,
Microturbines,
Other Distributed Generation Technologies
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| Applicable Sectors: |
Commercial,
Industrial,
Residential,
Nonprofit,
Schools,
Local Government,
State Government,
Fed. Government,
Agricultural,
Institutional
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| Applicable Utilities: | Investor-owned utilities
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| System Capacity Limit: | 2 MW |
| Standard Agreement: | Yes |
| Insurance Requirements: | Not required |
| External Disconnect Switch: | Not required for inverter-based systems up to 25 kW; required for all other systems
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| Net Metering Required: | No |
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Web Site: |
http://www.dps.state.ny.us/distgen.htm
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Authority 1:
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NY PSC Order, Case 94-E-0952
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| Date Enacted: | 12/31/1999 |
| Date Effective: | 12/31/1999 |
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Authority 2:
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NY PSC Order, Case 02-E-1282
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| Date Enacted: | 11/17/2004 |
| Date Effective: | 11/17/2004 |
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Authority 3:
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NY PSC Order, Case 08-E-1018
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| Date Enacted: | 02/13/2009 |
| Date Effective: | 02/13/2009 |
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Authority 4:
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New York Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR)
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| Date Enacted: | 02/13/2009 |
| Date Effective: | 02/13/2009 |
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Summary:
Note: In August 2009, the Governor signed legislation (A.B. 2442) extending net metering to residential combined heat and power (CHP) and fuel cell systems up to 10 kW. Although the current standards are applicable to distributed generation in general, including CHP and fuel cells, certain aspects apply specifically to different types of net metering eligible systems (e.g., interconnection costs). It is likely that the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) will need to revise the certain sections of the current rules to incorporate residential fuel cells and CHP systems.
New York first adopted uniform interconnection standards in 1999 (see history below). The Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR) have subsequently been amended several times since, most recently with the adoption of revised standards in February 2009. The rules apply to systems up to two megawatts (MW) in capacity located in the service area of one of New York's six investor-owned local electric utilities: Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Consolidated Edison (Con Edison), New York State Electric & Gas, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland Utilities, and Rochester Gas and Electric.
The SIR address technical guidelines for interconnection and application procedures. As of the February 2009 amendments, the SIR contain two separate sets of interconnection procedures and processes. All systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are governed by a simplified six-step process while larger systems up to 2 MW generally use an 11-step process. Certified, inverter-based systems from 25 kW to 200 kW are also permitted to use the simplified 6-step process. Both processes cover the initial inquiry to final utility acceptance for interconnection and include interconnection timelines, responsibility for interconnection costs, and procedures for dispute resolution. The appendices contain a standard contract and standard application forms.
In order to be considered "certified", equipment must meet certain minimum protective function requirements and be compliant with UL-1741 by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. A current list of type-tested equipment is available on the PSC's DG web site. Certified, inverter-based systems up to 25 kW are not required to have an external disconnect switch. The requirements specifically state that utilities are not permitted to require customers to purchase general liability insurance; however, the PSC does encourage distributed generation owners to purchase insurance for their own protection.
Con Edison, which provides electricity in New York City, has created a web site for DG installations in its service territory. This site specifies limitations on DG installations within the five boroughs and Westchester County.
History
New York was the second state to adopt uniform interconnection standards for distributed generation (DG) systems. The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) originally adopted Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR) for systems up to 300 kilowatts (kW) in capacity in December 1999. However, because of concerns over some of the burdensome procedural issues, the PSC amended its rules in November 2002. These changes streamlined the application process, and provided a more ordered progression for the study and review phases of the procedure. Subsequently, in November 2004 the PSC issued an order further modifying the SIR by increasing the maximum capacity of interconnected systems from 300 kW to 2 megawatts (MW) and expanding interconnection to the state's area networks, which serve parts of large, urban areas (including New York City).
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Please note: The information on the DSIRE web site provides an overview of incentives and other policies, but it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions or other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided in each record to verify that a specific incentive or other policy is applicable to your specific project.
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