SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

This is the second in a series of hearings to examine issues related to the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in New York State. The RPS was created by a Public Service Commission Order in 2004 in part to address increasing concerns over an overdependence on climate threatening fossil fuels. Pursuant to the Order, the RPS will be funded through a surcharge on electric utility customer bills. The Order designates the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority as the administrator of the program and all associated funds.

This hearing will examine several issues: the unique characteristics of the New York RPS; the implementation process of the RPS; the impact on electric consumer bills; the methodology used to determine costs of the program; the capability of the RPS to reduce fossil fuel costs in New York; the coordination of the RPS with other legislated and administratively-established energy programs; and the success of other state RPS programs resulting in the construction of renewable energy sources and reduced dependency on fossil fuel sources of electricity.

Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form and/or may be submitted at the hearing registration desk.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Renewable Portfolio Standard are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to:

Julia Mallalieu
Legislative Counsel
Assembly Committee on Energy
Room 520 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: mallalj@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4363
Fax: (518) 455-5182

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