Bill > S03551

This bill establishes a study commission on preventing snow emergencies, which will be comprised of 15 members representing various government agencies, utility companies, and legislative bodies, primarily focused on investigating the potential risks of grid electrification during extreme winter weather events. The commission will evaluate how transitioning to electric heating systems might impact safety and reliability during snowstorms that cause power outages, with members including representatives from the public service commission, state legislature, utility companies, and emergency services. The commission is authorized to hold public hearings, consult with experts, and request data from state agencies, and will ultimately produce a comprehensive report with findings and legislative recommendations to key state leaders. The public service commission will then use this report to potentially modify existing energy and environmental targets related to electrification. The study commission will serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of actual expenses, and the entire initiative will automatically expire two years after becoming law, ensuring a time-limited, focused examination of grid resilience during winter emergencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3551