“Reforming the Energy Vision” is an initiative launched under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2014 that sought to reduce utilities’ incentive to build traditional infrastructure and instead promote more “distributed” resources like rooftop solar and batteries. The effort is ongoing but largely dormant.
Under Governor Kathy Hochul, the state has ramped up its efforts to develop battery storage of all sizes, including through a competitive bidding process for larger projects (5 megawatts and up) that could serve a wider area. All projects bidding for state contracts also need approval from their local utilities to plug into the grid.
In August, Con Edison froze applications from battery storage developers following a surge of project proposals in New York City’s outer boroughs. The utility is now seeking approval from state regulators to charge developers more for plugging in new battery projects, in ways it says will better reflect their impact on the grid.