Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Energy Highway Task Force are seeking private sector input as they embark on an ambitious ”“ yet vague ”“ plan to strengthen the state”™s electrical grid.
The task force, seeking ideas for potential projects from private developers, utilities and financial professionals, recently issued a request for information and on April 19 held a public meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in Tarrytown to address further questions about the Energy Highway initiative.
The ultimate goal of the task force is to provide lawmakers and private enterprises with a road map, or action plan, for the investment of billions of private and public dollars into the state”™s electrical grid.
“The primary focus of the RFI is to seek input to develop recommendations for the action plan that will spur investment in the state”™s energy infrastructure,” said New York Power Authority chairman and CEO and task force co-chairman Gil Quiniones in an email.
While a chief objective is to maximize private-sector investment, Quiniones said, “We expect there will also be proposals for projects that in whole or in part are funded with state dollars.”
The action plan could also address potential economic incentives that could be made available to facilitate energy infrastructure projects, he said.
The scope of information sought by the RFI is broad.
The task force is seeking information about any electrical generation or transmission projects that are either planned or are currently under construction, including financial details, construction and operation plans, and other economic or environmental benefits.
Submissions might also include recommendations for any regulatory changes that could help to facilitate projects, Quiniones said.
Responses to the RFI are due by May 30, and the task force will publish its action plan and recommendations this summer.
The State Energy Planning Board, which includes representatives from multiple state agencies as well as representatives appointed by the governor”™s office and the Legislature, is concurrently in the process of developing a draft state energy plan, which will be made available Sept. 1.
While both processes are separate, Quiniones said they will likely help inform each other.
