ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – Energy reserves are down in New York State, the lowest in the last five years, raising concerns about brownouts or blackouts this summer.
If more fans and air conditioners get heavily used this summer, it could put a strain on the power grid.
“Not trying to stoke fear for any political purposes, but I would plan for contingencies in your own home,” said Sen. Mark Walczyk (R-49th District).
The information comes from the New York Independent System Operator, or NYISO. Its report explains that if energy demand this summer is similar to other years, the state is likely fine.
Even if a little more energy is needed, the state is still fine. But if things really heat up, and more people draw energy to cool down, emergency costly measures may have to be put in place.
The NYISO says if the state sees three days or more of 95 to 98 degree weather, it could create problems with power this summer.
Aging plants, climate law cited
The NYISO says part of the reason reserves are low is because of current, aging power plants and because of the state’s transition to carbon-free energy as part of the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Walczyk and many other Republican lawmakers have strongly opposed the act.
“It doesn’t give me any pleasure to say I told you so. I’m certainly very concerned about us running out of power this summer, and people not able to turn on air conditioning when we could be reaching very high temperatures,” Walczyk said.
The New York chapter of the Sierra Club, a climate-friendly group in support of the climate act, says it’s not that cut and dry.
“The truth is we’ve been needing to upgrade our electricity grid in New York state for many, many years, totally absent the context of the climate crisis, which is the biggest issue we will face in our lifetime,” said Gabe Recchio, campaign organizer with New York’s Sierra Club chapter.
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