Con Edison (NYSE: ED) has filed a proposal with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to support the development of 25 megawatts (MW) of solar energy resources in New York City by 2015.
Con Edison suggested the State set aside $24.8 million of its renewable energy funds for these programs for residential and commercial customers in New York City.
The proposed incentives would target smaller solar projects. One would provide customers with rebates based on the production of their solar panels. There is also a program to encourage solar generation in areas where it could provide the greatest benefit to the electric system, as well as a program to encourage solar in the low-income residential market in New York City. In addition, the company is proposing that the State set aside $4 million for a residential program for customers in New York City and Westchester County to use solar energy for hot water.
New York State has been building a leadership positionin renewable
energy, particularly with the development of large renewable energy
projects upstate. Producing smaller projects in New York City, however,
has been more challenging. Along with enhancing the incentives, Con
Edison wants to reduce the time it takes to get approval to install
solar panels from one year to 100 days.
Under the "100 Days of Solar" program, Con Edison would sponsor a task
force that would include representatives from government agencies, the
solar industry and nonprofits to streamline the process.
"We believe that New York City, with its urban roofscape, has great potential as a center for solar power and we are confident that we can use our unique knowledge of our customers to make that a reality," said John Mucci, vice president of Engineering and Planning. "We’re eager to take a greater leadership role in helping the state meet its ambitious renewable energy goals."
Con Edison would also monitor solar energy development in Westchester to encourage market opportunities there. The incentives would be in addition to a proposal to spend $125 million over five years throughout the entire Con Edison service area for larger installations. Combined, the proposed program funding is expected to lead to more than 100 MW of new solar capacity in the company’s service area.
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