Last week, the New York State Public Service Commission eliminated the peak load limitation on the size of solar or wind electric generating equipment. This is expected to spur installation of larger-sized non-residential photovoltaic and wind electric generating systems.
"The expansion of the ability for businesses to install larger renewable energy devices is a major step forward in our quest to create a clean energy economy in New York," said Chairman Garry Brown in making the announcement. "Renewable power systems reduce stress on the electric grid, allow consumers to offset rising energy costs, provide environmental benefits, and will help stimulate the creation of clean energy jobs in New York."
Utilities participating in the expanded program include Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation, National Grid, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation.
Under the old regulations, the equipment could be no larger than 2 Megawatts capacitgy or the customer's peak load as measured over the prior 12-month period.
But non-residential power generators with rated capacity of more than 25 kilowatts must also be financially responsible for equipment, including dedicated transformers, necessary for safety and adequacy of service. That is to be determined by the electric corporation, subject to review by PCC.