New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06570

Introduced
3/17/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/24/26  
Engrossed
4/21/26  

Caption

Enacts the accelerate solar for affordable power (ASAP) act to set a new target for distributed solar energy capacity and direct the public service commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new distributed energy resources.

Impact

This legislation will amend various sections of the environmental conservation law and the public service law, marking a notable shift towards promoting renewable energy in New York. By establishing a clear target for solar capacity and implementing interconnection reforms, the ASAP Act is positioned to make solar energy more accessible and affordable. The bill mandates the Public Service Commission to expedite reforms that will facilitate quicker and cost-effective integration of new energy sources, thereby improving the reliability and sustainability of the state's energy grid.

Summary

Bill S06570, known as the 'Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act', aims to enhance the integration of distributed solar energy systems into New York's electric distribution infrastructure. The bill sets an ambitious target of achieving twenty gigawatts of distributed solar energy capacity by the year 2035, significantly raising the previous goal. It emphasizes the importance of lowering interconnection costs and streamlining the process for integrating new solar and storage energy resources, aligning these goals with the state's broader economic and environmental objectives.

Contention

Throughout the discussions, some stakeholders expressed concerns regarding how the bill may impact existing energy market dynamics and utility operations. Critics argue that without careful regulation, the rapid expansion of solar capacity could lead to market instability or increased costs for consumers. Additionally, there are discussions about ensuring that investments in solar energy also prioritize benefits for low- and moderate-income households. The legislation includes provisions aimed at guaranteeing that at least thirty-five percent of program investments support these communities, which could help to mitigate some opposition by addressing equity concerns within the renewable energy sector.

Companion Bills

NY A08758

Same As Enacts the accelerate solar for affordable power (ASAP) act to set a new target for distributed solar energy capacity and direct the public service commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new distributed energy resources.

Previously Filed As

NY A08758

Enacts the accelerate solar for affordable power (ASAP) act to set a new target for distributed solar energy capacity and direct the public service commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new distributed energy resources.

NY SB2021

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

NY S08119

Enacts the "community solar opportunity and local approval reform (Community SOLAR) act"; authorizes municipalities to establish standards for distributed generation energy facilities.

NY A09087

Enacts the "community solar opportunity and local approval reform (Community SOLAR) act"; authorizes municipalities to establish standards for distributed generation energy facilities.

NY SB341

Public Utilities – Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

NY HB345

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (Affordable Solar Act)

NY A08934

Directs electric corporations and combination electric and gas corporations to file a cost-effectiveness and timetable analysis as part of any base rate proceeding with the public service commission; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study on the effectiveness of advanced transmission technologies.

NY A04127

Authorizes and directs the department of public service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy interconnection processes into the electrical grid to meet the state's renewable energy goals; directs the department of public service to submit a report on its findings one year after the effective date.

NY S01227

Authorizes and directs the department of public service to conduct a study on the deployment of energy interconnection processes into the electrical grid to meet the state's renewable energy goals; directs the department of public service to submit a report on its findings one year after the effective date.

NY S09500

Establishes the New York State grid reliability and energy affordability transition (GREAT) act; establishes the virtual power plant program to help reduce energy costs and grid reliability risks; provides incentives to participants for supporting the grid by investing in distributed energy resources and reducing net energy costs.

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