New York Grid Modernization Act Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive grid modernization program requiring transmission and distribution companies and public power authorities to develop 10-year grid modernization plans with goals including aging infrastructure replacement, distribution system improvements, smart grid deployment, and workforce development programs.

• Creates a Smart Grid Advisory Council within 180 days to evaluate feasibility of statewide smart grid systems including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and establishes the New York Transmission and Distribution Coordinating Council to identify high-voltage transmission system upgrades and cost-sharing proposals.

• Requires utilities with over $200 million in annual revenues to implement workforce development initiatives including in-state training facilities, tuition assistance funds, and recruitment programs; mandates that utility workers in specified technical positions hold ANSI-accredited Center for Energy Workforce Development certifications and complete 35 hours of annual continuing education.

• Caps rate increases from grid modernization expenditures at 2.5 percent and includes provisions for low-income assistance programs, veterans' payment concessions, consumer education initiatives, and customer privacy protections for AMI data, with customers able to opt out of smart meters without penalty.

• Public Service Commission must issue comprehensive program reviews by July 1, 2020 and biennially thereafter to evaluate utility progress on modernization targets and expenditure commitments; applies similar requirements to Long Island Power Authority and rural electric cooperatives.