Bill > S03682

This bill requires each electric corporation in New York to submit a comprehensive storm hardening and system resiliency plan to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for review and approval. The plan, which must cover a ten-year period, aims to improve electric infrastructure's resilience during extreme weather events by proposing strategies to mitigate restoration costs and reduce power outage times. The PSC will evaluate these plans based on several key criteria, including potential cost savings, implementation timeline, performance benchmarks, and the plan's approach to infrastructure improvements such as vegetation management, underground power lines, and system upgrades. Electric corporations must update their plans every five years and will be allowed to recover plan-related costs through a separate rate charge, subject to PSC approval. The bill mandates that corporations provide their approved plans to county executives and, in New York City, to the mayor's office and emergency management office. Additionally, the PSC must submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing the progress and impacts of these storm hardening activities. The legislation stems from recent severe weather events like Winter Storm Riley, Winter Storm Quinn, and Tropical Storm Isaias, which caused extensive power outages across New York State, highlighting the need for more resilient electrical infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3682