The New York State Energy Planning Board in December voted unanimously to approve a State Energy Plan.
The Plan includes recommendations, which are based on findings from more than a year-long assessment of current systems and future energy needs through 2040, that will guide the dtate’s energy-related decision making.
The board is chaired by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen Harris.
“NYPA is at the helm of major initiatives to add more renewable energy, develop advanced nuclear generation and expand transmission pathways to fortify New York’s electric grid,” said Justin E. Driscoll, president and CEO, New York Power Authority. “The state energy plan aligns with the Power Authority’s efforts to lead in clean energy innovation so that all New Yorkers have affordable energy and a healthier environment.”
“The Long Island Power Authority appreciates the extensive and thoughtful work undertaken by NYSERDA in developing the New York State Energy Plan,” said Carrie Meek Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of LIPA.
“The process reflects a serious effort to balance the State’s clean energy goals with the continued need for reliable and affordable electric service. As Long Island’s public power utility, LIPA remains committed to advancing clean energy in a manner that protects system reliability and customer affordability. LIPA will continue to work closely with NYSERDA, state agencies, and regional partners to ensure Long Island’s electric system remains safe, reliable, and resilient while supporting New York’s clean energy transition,” she said.
The plan’s approval advances multiple objectives of the State including ensuring affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment, NYSERDA said.
“The plan embraces the State's continued commitment to renewables while also noting that a variety of energy sources, like advanced nuclear and natural gas, will be needed to help New York meet its overall energy needs over the next 15 years,” NYSERDA said.
The plan “was developed at a time when the energy sector faces significant uncertainty stemming from economic pressures and a shift in federal priorities and policies away from renewable energy projects,” it noted.
The analyses conducted for the plan have been updated to reflect the latest available data and federal actions since modelling was completed for the Draft Plan released in July 2025.
Updates also included further focus on energy affordability considerations and strategies to manage system costs, including through demand-side flexibility and added discussion of new, large loads and ways to manage associated grid and cost impacts.
NYSERDA said the analyses inform five primary planning goals and associated actions to continue to meet New York's energy needs which include:
• delivering abundant, reliable, resilient and clean energy through a diverse mix of resources and supply infrastructure, while supporting energy efficiency and load flexibility;
• providing affordable energy to households and equitable benefits – with a focus on reducing the upfront costs of efficiency and clean energy choices to help cut spending and lessen the burden for lower-income households;
• supporting economic growth and competitiveness by investing in workforce development, meeting the needs of large energy users, and attracting new industry, including clean energy leaders;
• strengthening partnerships across New York’s innovation ecosystem to foster economic development, create jobs, and provide greater leverage for State investments; and
• continuing progress toward decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
The process to update the State Energy Plan was announced in August 2024. The State Energy Planning Board, comprised of the heads of ten State agencies and authorities, appointees from the Governor, Senate, and Assembly, and the president of the New York Independent System Operator, commenced its work to assess and compile data to inform the Draft State Energy Plan, which was released in July 2025 for public review and comment.
The release of the 2025 Plan follows a robust public comment period which included 10 public hearings, seven in-person and three virtual, and written comment.
The State Energy Planning Board received and considered nearly 15,000 written comments and more than 1,000 people attended public hearings, with nearly 450 providing oral comments – which were also considered.
The Board received input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including individual New Yorkers, environmental organizations, utilities and energy companies, labor unions, and trade and business organizations, “underscoring the importance of the Plan’s focus on energy affordability and maintaining an abundant and diverse mix of energy sources and supply infrastructure,” NYSERDA said.
Successful implementation of the Plan will involve State agency coordination, partnership with all levels of government and local communities, and participation of private sector entities invested in New York’s energy future.
The Board is required to prepare biennial reports every second year following the issuance of a State Energy Plan that discuss the ability of the State and private markets to implement the policies, programs, and other recommendations in the Plan and recommend new or amended policies as needed.
