SB 5995 aims to modernize the grid and lower costs for consumers  

ALBANY, NY – Today, New York Senator Leroy Comrie introduced legislation, Senate Bill 5995, to integrate New York’s gas and electric energy planning process and save consumers money – ensuring our utilities are making only the investments that are most cost-effective, forward-thinking, and aligned with the state’s clean energy goals. Under the bill, Public Service Commission (PSC) must establish an integrated energy system planning protocol that considers both gas and electric system investments together to prevent wasteful and unnecessary spending, protect against over-or under-building, maximize efficiency, and ensure grid reliability at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers. 

“This bill offers an innovative, but common-sense approach to aligning New York’s energy planning with our clean energy goals. It will shield consumers from the costs of outdated and unnecessary infrastructure projects," said Kristina Persaud, New York State Lead at Advanced Energy United. 

“With more advanced energy technologies and services now on the market like gas demand response, ground and air source heat pumps, smart meters, smart thermostats, and advanced transmission technologies, utilities have more options than ever to serve their customers’ needs,” Persaud continued. "By aligning forecasts, assumptions, and programs across gas and electric sectors, New York can optimize infrastructure investments, maximize energy efficiency and load flexibility, and provide long-term cost containment and energy affordability for its residents and businesses.” 

Key provisions include: 

• Establishing a new section in the Public Service Law (PSL) requiring the PSC to develop an integrated planning process for utilities serving both gas and electric customers. 

• Consolidating existing planning processes—such as long-term gas plans, coordinated grid plans, and distributed system implementation plans—into a streamlined filing that optimizes investments across all energy system levers, informed by 10-year investment plans and 20-year system forecasts. 

• Requiring consideration of cost-effective energy efficiency, weatherization, demand response, non-wires and non-pipeline alternatives, and advanced transmission technologies. 

• Special focus on programmatic needs for low- and moderate-income customers. 

The legislation will now be considered by the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee in the coming weeks.