Summary of Bill S 2170

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 2170
• Title: Directs the public service commission and the Long Island power authority to extend appropriate elements of the compensation under the "Value Stack" to resources located behind customer electric meters.
• Status: Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
• Introduced: January 15, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2170 aims to enhance the compensation framework for energy resources that are situated behind customer electric meters. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy integration within the state's power grid. By extending the "Value Stack" compensation to these resources, the bill seeks to incentivize customers to invest in technologies such as solar panels, battery storage, and other distributed energy resources.

Key Provisions

• Extension of "Value Stack": The bill directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to include resources located behind customer electric meters in the existing "Value Stack" compensation framework.
• Compensation Elements: The "Value Stack" typically includes various compensation elements such as energy, capacity, and environmental benefits. This bill would ensure that customers with behind-the-meter resources can receive appropriate compensation for the value they provide to the grid.
• Implementation Guidelines: The bill may require the PSC and LIPA to establish specific guidelines and methodologies for determining the compensation levels for these resources.

Impact

• Affected Parties:
  • Customers: Homeowners and businesses that invest in renewable energy technologies will benefit from enhanced compensation, making such investments more financially viable.
  • Utilities: The bill may require adjustments in how utilities calculate and distribute compensation, potentially impacting their operational and financial models.
  • Environment: By promoting the use of distributed energy resources, the bill supports environmental sustainability goals and may contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Status: As of January 15, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee for further consideration.
• Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills S 6480 and S 4845, which may provide context or background on similar legislative efforts.

Conclusion

Bill S 2170 represents a significant step towards enhancing the economic viability of renewable energy resources located behind customer electric meters. By extending the "Value Stack" compensation, the bill aims to encourage greater adoption of clean energy technologies, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the environment. The bill is currently under review by the Energy and Telecommunications Committee, where it will undergo further discussion and potential amendments.