The New York State Public Service Commission has approved updates to its Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP) aimed at improving the way long-term transmission planning is conducted. The changes are designed to make the process more efficient, transparent, and accurate, while also enhancing stakeholder engagement and streamlining how modeling and proposals are developed.
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 established in 2020 as a response to New York’s Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The goal was to implement long-term planning for electricity transmission that would help integrate renewable energy sources into the grid while maintaining reliability. In mid-2023, a framework for this process was approved by the Commission, with initial studies currently underway. The first cycle of planning is expected to conclude in early 2026, after which major utilities will submit proposals on necessary grid upgrades.
With its latest decision, the Commission has authorized modifications that will be used in future cycles of CGPP. It also approved a phased approach for estimating upgrade costs during upcoming phases.
Public comments submitted during this process largely supported improvements recommended by staff but opposed using alternative modeling arrangements outside those managed by New York Independent System Operator, Inc.
For those interested in reviewing today’s decision or related documents, they can be found on www.dps.ny.gov by searching Case Number 20-E-0197. Physical copies are available from the Commission’s Files Office at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany.
