Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) responded to the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) annual Summer Reliability Assessment, which reveals a critically thin reliability margin of just 417 MW under baseline conditions, the lowest in recent history.

The assessment shows 34,615 MW of power resources available against a forecasted peak demand of 31,578 MW. However, with the New York State Reliability Council requiring 2,620 MW in reserves, operators would need to initiate emergency procedures to secure up to 3,166 MW to keep reliability. Grid alerts could be issued if reserves fall below safe levels, forcing conservation measures on New Yorkers.

“This is exactly what we’ve been warning about,” said Simpson. “Albany’s rigid, one-size-fits-all electrification mandates and unrealistic CLCPA deadlines are pushing our grid to the breaking point. With the thinnest reliability margin in recent memory, families and businesses across the state face the very real risk of blackouts and skyrocketing costs this summer. We cannot keep retiring reliable generation while forcing massive new demand onto an already strained system.”

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry whether their air conditioners will work during a heat wave or if their electric bills will double because of these misguided policies. It’s long past time to abandon the failed one-size-fits-all approach and embrace a practical, all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes diverse, reliable sources of power. We have to stop gambling with the reliability that hardworking New Yorkers depend on for symbolic gains,” Simpson continued.

Simpson has consistently called for pausing aggressive timelines, rethinking flawed mandates and prioritizing an energy plan that keeps bills affordable for every New Yorker.