ALBANY – New York’s electricity regulator is demanding Con Ed devise a plan to address the reliability of the Big Apple’s grid — after frightening concerns about the potential for blackouts came to light.
The move follows stark warnings from the independent operator of the Empire State’s electric grid that increased electricity demand and decreasing fossil fuel generation capacity may lead to power outages in New York City as soon as next summer.
“If these risks materialize without timely action, the consequences could extend beyond operational challenges to widespread impacts on public safety, property, and economic activity,” New York’s Independent System Operator wrote in a report this month.
The state Public Service Commission says the findings are prompting them to push Con Ed for a response ahead of next summer — when electricity demand is typically higher.
“Ensuring the safety and reliability of our electric grid is a top priority for the Commission,” PSC Chairman Rory Christian wrote in a statement about the Con Ed study. “Given that fact, it is critically important that we turn over every stone to fully understand and plan for any reliability needs in our largest metropolitan area.”
Meanwhile, the company is set to jack up delivery rates for electricity by 2.8% and for natural gas by 2%, beginning in January.
In a statement to The Post, a Con Ed spokesperson maintained that the company has a “strong record” of reliability.
“Con Edison powers the economic engine of our country by delivering the most reliable energy to more than 9 million people who live, work, and travel through New York City every day,” the spokesperson wrote.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with NYISO, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders to make sure the reliability needs of our customers are met, now and in the future.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is scrambling to mitigate the political fallout of soaring electricity prices and worrisome reliability projections as she preps for a reelection run next year, acknowledged the risk of blackouts in the Empire State is real.
“In recent years, we’ve come uncomfortably close to shortages. I will not risk rolling blackouts or gas outages,” she wrote, angering lefty environmentalists who charged the gov with turning her back on the state’s climate goals.
A Hochul spokesperson told The Post she did not specifically direct the PSC to order the report, but that the governor wants regulatory agencies to be aggressive in ensuring grid reliability.
“The Governor has made clear her top energy priorities are ensuring there is enough power to keep the lights on and that it is affordable,” spokesperson Ken Lovett wrote in a statement. “The PSC’s action today is designed to make certain that Con Edison finds ways to do just that.”
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