Bill > S04205

This bill establishes a comprehensive microgrid development program in New York to enhance community resilience during extended power outages. The legislation requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a $75 million program and the state authority to create a complementary $25 million program to support microgrid development. A microgrid is defined as an interconnected group of energy resources that can operate independently from the main electric grid, allowing critical facilities to maintain power during widespread outages. The programs will prioritize microgrids that maximize carbon emission reductions, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and can be quickly implemented to address extreme weather risks. Community outage assets eligible for microgrid support include hospitals, nursing homes, telecommunications providers, government agencies, data centers, transportation systems, educational institutions, and other critical infrastructure that provide essential services during emergencies. The bill defines an extended electric distribution outage as a power interruption lasting 24 hours or more, and requires microgrids to provide essentially uninterrupted power to these critical facilities with only momentary transitions between grid-connected and islanded operations.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4205