City urges caution in state’s energy-grid revolution

[hrmjustin]

David Giambusso

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration is urging caution as the state reshapes New York's energy grid, as laid out in the much-touted "Reforming Energy Vision" released in April.

In comments sent to the Public Service Commission this month, Michael Delaney, the city's director of energy regulatory affairs, urged more deliberation, collaboration and specificity in the state's plan to incorporate diverse power sources in the electrical grid. He cautioned against any innovation that would create disparate energy costs or hamper reliability for New Yorkers. And he joined the chorus of energy officials calling for a new approach to standby charges.

The commission was widely praised after releasing the R.E.V. four months ago. But as it begins the herculean task of transforming the vision into reality, diverse groups have begun to weigh in with questions, ideas and numerous concerns.

As the city is one of the biggest power consumers in the world and the focus of the state's reforms, Delaney's comments illustrate some of the challenges of upending a century-old system of delivering power.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/07/8549699/city-urges-caution-states-energy-grid-revolution