New York Has Shown It Can Do Big Things. Now, Let’s Fix Our Energy System.
Over the past year, Manhattan streets have been quieter and safer, with shorter bus rides
and cleaner air. That’s because government leaders showed the courage to take on hard problems and implemented congestion pricing. Despite loud critics and lawsuits, the sky didn’t fall. Instead, we proved that smart policy can deliver everyday benefits without hurting the economy or shifting burdens onto other communities.
Congestion pricing’s success is a reminder that New York can tackle complex and politically fraught challenges. Today, there may be no challenge more urgent than rising energy bills and increased strain on our energy system.
New Yorkers are feeling the squeeze. Energy demand is climbing, bills are rising, and the systems we rely on are being pushed harder as we navigate more extreme weather conditions. When clean energy investments are most needed to stabilize prices and protect consumers, our federal leadership is faltering. Waiting for Washington isn’t a strategy. New York must lead.
Fortunately, we have solutions. During the worst heatwave last summer, clean energy helped keep the lights on when the grid was stressed – saving New Yorkers nearly $100 million in energy costs. Rooftop solar, solar on farms, batteries, and smart energy tools provided clean power and reduced demand at the right moment. During the recent cold snap we experienced on the East Coast, offshore wind delivered reliable power when we needed it most; South Fork Wind was operating on par with New York’s most efficient gas plants. Local, clean energy proved that it’s up for the job – without jacking up the prices when families need energy most.
There is a recognition that meeting rising demand with more fossil fuels is neither the cheapest nor the smartest option; the Public Service Commission recently directed Con Edison to plan for grid reliability using carbon-free solutions. Now, to deliver for all New Yorkers, let’s reform the entire energy sector.
First, New York needs transparent, comprehensive, state-led energy planning. Planning is fragmented across agencies and markets, with little visibility into whether decisions are driving affordability, reliability, and climate progress. We need a coordinated approach that puts consumers and communities first.
Second, we must rapidly scale up deployment of community-based power, including solar, batteries, geothermal, and smart technologies, that lower household bills and strengthen the grid. Expanding access to these resources, especially in working and middle-class communities, will reduce pollution and ensure the benefits of clean energy are shared equitably. We need far more large-scale projects to deliver the energy New York needs and get off the fossil fuel roller coaster ride; but community resources can be deployed quickly and address near-term needs.
Third, the state should use its purchasing power to reduce the cost of clean energy. The current system is failing to deliver affordable, reliable, clean power. A competitive, state-directed procurement model can lower costs, reduce risk, and get clean energy built.
Fourth, New York must continue modernizing our utilities so they prioritize affordability and reliability, not just infrastructure spending. The state has begun moving utilities toward lower-cost alternatives like community-based energy; going further will avoid unnecessary infrastructure upgrades and keep bills down.
Finally, as Governor Hochul called out in her State of the State, data centers should be responsible for the enormous strain they place on the grid. They should pay higher rates and invest locally in clean energy upgrades to improve reliability for entire communities.
Governor Hochul led us through the tricky implementation of congestion pricing; she is the leader we need to deliver the same kind of resolve to the energy system. We applaud her for focusing on energy affordability, with an emphasis on utility accountability, technology for grid flexibility, and consumer protections. Comprehensive energy system reforms will stabilize energy costs and create union jobs.
New York can fix our energy system, protect our wallets, and once again show the nation what real leadership looks like.
Julie Tighe is President of the New York League of Conservation Voters
