After two years, the state’s Grid Modernization Commission is closer to becoming a reality.

The state Assembly unanimously passed legislation (A.6253) forming the commission. The bill now proceeds to the state Senate for consideration before the end of the legislative session on June 6.

Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-Hudson, said the primary goals of the commission will be to identify critical state transmission needs and conduct annual studies to support the buildout of high-voltage transmission facilities that meet those needs.

“I rise to very proudly support this legislation which will really give us the tools and help us address (our) challenges,” Barrett said. “Having reliability is so important as we’re facing the challenges of meeting our CLCPA goals and being able to really engage in all aspects and bring everybody together. My goal is to have us all as a state rowing in the same direction, and ensure that we have the data to do that.”

The commission will conduct a study of research, development, and demonstration of electric grid modernization that addresses the principal challenges identified in the New York Independent System Operator’s 2021-2040 System & Resource Outlook and identify tools, resources, and deployment models that may improve the grid’s performance.

That report stated that by 2040 the state will have to add between 111 gigawatts and 124 gigawatts of generating capacity to meet the state Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s mandate to have a fully renewable electric grid. While calling for unprecedented levels of investment, the report does not put a price tag on the upgrades needed.

A subsequent report by the New York Independent System Operator released late last year showed growing risks to electric system reliability, including: projected increases in peak demand due to electrification of the transportation and building sectors; additional generator deactivations; delayed implementation of planned infrastructure projects; and extreme weather. The reliability plan is released every two years and is the ISO’s plan to maintain a reliable bulk electric grid based on expected changes and conditions over a 10-year planning period. The plan also includes the addition of several large commercial projects in upstate New York that are in development and are projected to significantly increase energy use over 10 years. State legislation enacted in 2022 will require the phase-out of the New York Power Authority’s small natural gas plants located in New York City by Dec. 31, 2030.

If demand on the grid grows at a rate greater than the buildout of new generation and transmission, reliability deficiencies could arise within the next 10-year planning period. Potential risks and resource needs identified by the ISO may be resolved by new capacity resources coming into service, construction of additional transmission facilities, increased energy efficiency, integration of distributed energy resources and/or growth in demand response participation.

The commission would also make recommendations on grants to carry out eligible projects related to the modernization of the electric grid in collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Future draft energy plans would require the state Energy Planning Board to consult with the Grid Modernization Commission and its grid modernization report.

“First I think this bill is very important to ensure grid reliability and I appreciate the efforts of the sponsor,” said Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown. “I also want to note that the sponsor did include on the commission members from the minority, which I think is also important, and I appreciate that gesture on behalf of the sponsor.”