The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program was adopted by an order of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2004. Since its inception, the program has served as a major vehicle for the development of renewable energy in New York. The ratepayer-funded program provides incentives for the construction and installation of large scale and small-scale renewable energy systems. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the program has assisted in the development of over 2,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. RPS-funded resources include utility scale wind, biomass, hydroelectric projects and rooftop solar arrays. The program, which receives its funding from a monthly charge on ratepayer electric bills, is set to expire at the end of 2015. In April, NYSERDA announced that it would seek permission from the PSC to administer its renewable energy programs through a proposed Clean Energy Fund (CEF). Under this plan, NYSERDA proposes a system of awarding contracts of up to 20 years for qualified large-scale projects. The committee seeks to understand the impact of a new procurement model on the state's renewable energy industry and ratepayers. Additionally, the committee will examine the possible benefits of requiring utilities to procure minimum levels of renewable electricity.

Please see the next page for a list of subjects to which witnesses may direct their testimony.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

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.

Amy R. Paulin
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Energy

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• The overall performance of the RPS program in developing renewable energy

• The role of investor-owned utilities and public power authorities in procuring renewable energy

• The establishment of realistic and attainable goals for statewide renewable energy capacity

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on The Future Of Renewable Energy Development Programs In New York State are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: