Need Coordination Between Renewables and Energy Storage Deployment in NYISO | Transmission Watch Blog

In our latest Transmission Watch report, we identify the need for coordination between renewables and energy storage development in NYISO.  ESAI’s analysts take an in-depth perspective on the New York Department of Public Services (NYDPS) initial report on the Power Grid to the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) in January. This Power Grid Study was mandated by the April 2020 Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. This study seeks to identify transmission investments that are necessary to achieve climate goals under New York’s July 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CPCLA).

The study identified limited transmission needs, mostly planned upgrades to transmission infrastructure and increased transfer capability between Zone K and Zones I or J. Idealistic study assumptions warrant further analysis that will result in additional transmission needs. The study also identified the need for a high degree of coordination between renewables and energy storage deployment.  This will have implications for the competitive market structure in New York.

Our Project Update section provides analysis of the siting processes of key transmission projects in New York. The NYPSC recently approved the siting application for both segments of the “AC Upgrades” and granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the developer of the Empire State Line in Western New York.

Both projects are ready to proceed to the construction phase. We also assess a new proposal for a 1,200 MW HVDC line between upstate and downstate New York that has the potential to deliver renewable energy to NYC under the new Tier 4 REC program.