The New York State Public Service Commission has approved updates to the Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP) aimed at improving long-term transmission planning in the state. The changes are designed to make the process more efficient, transparent, and accurate while also increasing stakeholder involvement and simplifying modeling and proposal development.
Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “Today, the Commission adopted the recommendations to improve transparency and engagement with stakeholders in the energy planning process, and provide more granular data inputs for system models. To continue meeting the state’s goals requires smart and timely investments for significant upgrades and additions to the state’s existing transmission and distribution systems to enable the continued and reliable integration of new large-scale renewable energy projects into the state’s energy supply. Today’s decision will ensure the CGPP provides a robust and transparent foundation for these key transmission investments.”
The CGPP was created in response to legislation passed in 2020 known as the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The Commission began developing a long-term approach to grid planning that resulted in this framework. The first cycle of CGPP studies began after approval of its framework in mid-2023, with completion expected by early 2026. At that time, major utilities are expected to submit a portfolio of proposed grid upgrade projects for Commission review, which are intended to support ongoing decarbonization efforts and ensure reliability.
The latest decision introduces modifications that will be used in future cycles of CGPP. It also allows phased cost estimates for upgrades during the next stage of planning.
Most comments submitted during this process supported recommended improvements but were unanimously against using alternative modeling arrangements outside those managed by New York Independent System Operator, Inc.
Documents related to today’s decision can be found on www.dps.ny.gov by searching Case Number 20-E-0197 or obtained from the Commission’s Files Office at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany.
