Thermal Energy Networks Are a Smart Investment for New York’s Future
Families in Westchester and across New York are seeing their utility bills skyrocket, and working families are being forced to make tough decisions between heating their homes and affording other basic necessities. If we are serious about affordability, we must also be serious about disentangling New York’s consumers from a volatile global energy market and lowering energy consumption. That’s why I strongly support including robust funding for thermal energy networks (TENs) in this year’s state budget.
Thermal energy networks are a simple idea: instead of every building generating heat or cooling exclusively alone, TENs connect multiple buildings through a shared system of pipes that can transfer heat and cooling where it’s needed. These systems dramatically reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort and operate more efficiently than traditional heating methods – as high as 600% more efficient. Lower energy use means lower utility bills, it’s that straightforward.
At a time when our electric grid is under increasing strain and fossil fuel prices remain volatile thanks to decisions in the White House, TENs offer a stable, locally-sourced solution that protects consumers from price spikes while improving reliability. New York has already taken important steps forward, including passing the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act, laying the groundwork for pilot projects across the state.
We are particularly seeing momentum on SUNY campuses statewide and right in our own backyard at SUNY Purchase, where TENs are uniquely well-suited. Campuses like Purchase are functionally small cities, making them ideal for shared heating and cooling systems that can lower costs for students and taxpayers alike while reducing emissions from some of the state’s largest buildings. That’s why lawmakers, labor leaders, and environmental advocates are calling for $200 million in this year’s budget to expand thermal energy networks at SUNY campuses and in low-income communities statewide.
This funding would support shovel-ready projects across the state and here at home, delivering immediate economic benefits while building the infrastructure of the future. It would also ensure that disadvantaged and low-income communities are not left behind in the clean energy transition, but instead are among the first to benefit from lower energy costs and improved air quality.
Importantly, TENs are not just good for our wallets, they are investments in our economy. These projects create thousands of family-sustaining union jobs in our community while creating systems that allow us to avoid other costly upgrades to gas infrastructure that would otherwise be passed on to ratepayers.
We have already seen what strategic investment can do. Last year’s funding for thermal energy networks jumpstarted the projects at SUNY campuses and could support municipal utilities, proving that this technology is not theoretical, it is ready now. The final state budget presents a clear opportunity: we can take a meaningful step toward lowering utility bills, modernizing our infrastructure, and creating jobs all at the same time.
Thermal energy networks are a win for affordability, a win for our environment, and a win for New York’s future. We need to invest in them now.
Assemblymember Chris Burdick represents the 93rd district.
