ALBANY, N.Y., July 24, 2024 — In response to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) announcing that it has adopted initial Utility Thermal Energy Networks (UTENs) rules as required by the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act of 2022, the UpgradeNY collaboration issued the following statement: 

“The UpgradeNY collaborative applauds the PSC for advancing New York's commitment to decarbonizing buildings across the state through its adoption of initial Utility Thermal Energy Network rules. These rules represent a major step forward toward the creation of a thermal energy network regulatory framework for New York that will foster competition, protect workers, and ensure market fairness.

The adoption of these initial rules, as well as the New York Department of Public Service’s (DPS) recent decision to advance nine pilot Utility Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) projects to the engineering stage of their development, demonstrate that New York continues to lead the nation in building a model for utilities to use thermal energy networks to deliver neighborhood-scale clean heating and cooling services. This new utility model for clean heating and cooling will enable New York to lower environmental pollution, reduce strain on its electric grid, create new business opportunities for utilities, and deliver climate jobs to union workers.

We look forward to continuing to engage with the PSC and other stakeholders as the PSC continues to develop rules for its thermal energy network program.”

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About Us:

The UpgradeNY collaboration works together to advocate for affordable solutions to decarbonize New York’s buildings while creating a strong foundation for good-paying union jobs. Members include Building Decarbonization Coalition, New York League of Conservation Voters, The New York State AFL-CIO, ALIGN, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Building Trades Council of Greater New York, Sierra Club’s Atlantic Chapter and Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE). Learn more at upgradeny.org