ALBANY, New York — New York is at risk of blackouts without significant new generation coming online before the middle of the next decade.
The state’s independent grid operator identified this 2034 statewide reliability need in a preliminary analysis Monday. The finding, if finalized after more vetting and inputs, would trigger a process to solve the gap aimed at ensuring New York’s grid remains able to meet the electricity demand even when it peaks and some resources are unavailable.
The New York Independent System Operator has been warning of tightening reliability margins for years as the state seeks to shut down older power plants while the pace of building new renewables has lagged. But this would be the first time this assessment process has identified a long-term statewide reliability problem — more simply, a risk of blackouts above stringent regulatory standards.
NYISO spokesperson Kevin Lanahan emphasized the preliminary nature of the results, which will be finalized in November. He told POLITICO they are subject to updated load forecasts — which predict power use — the inclusion of additional renewables and input from state and federal regulators and policymakers.
