There is a movement underway to transform the New York State electric energy system. The purpose of this blog is to try to consolidate information on the comprehensive energy strategy for New York called Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) and the implications for the general public. The ultimate goal of REV is to change the energy system of New York to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 (“80 by 50”). I am very concerned that most of the public has no idea what the politicians, bureaucrats, advocacy groups, and crony capitalists are up to in this process. The purpose of this blog is to provide background information at a single location so the rest of us have all the information necessary to understand what is involved.
I believe that costs of energy are the primary concern of ratepayers. While REV emphasizes building a “clean, resilient, and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers” I do not think that REV has adequately explained how the program will affect cost and what its benefits will be. Although no one likes to pay more for electricity, if the plan, ultimate costs, benefits, and justification are clearly provided, then additional costs can be accepted. I do not believe that information is readily available so I will try to provide that information here.
This website is organized into the following sections:
- Reforming the Energy Vision – Summary of the program
- Regulatory Agencies – Describes the different NYS organizations that are involved with REV
- Plan Programs – In order to implement REV multiple programs have been proposed
- Background – Descriptions of the electric system
- Justification – Description of the rationale for REV
- History – History of the New York State programs that espouse the 80 by 50 goal.
Disclaimer: I am writing this series of posts on REV because I am convinced that this whole thing is going to end as an expensive boondoggle and drive electricity prices in particular and energy prices in general significantly higher. Before retirement from the electric generating industry, I was actively analyzing energy and air quality regulations that could affect company operations. The opinions expressed in this post do not reflect the position of any of my previous employers or any other company I have been associated with, these comments are mine alone.
New York Energy Policies 