NY A09836

Establishes a fuel cell incentive program requiring the Public Service Commission to modify existing programs to encourage qualified fuel cell electric generating systems by January 1, 2019.

Defines "qualified fuel cell electric generating systems" as systems based on solid oxide, molten carbonate, proton exchange membrane, or phosphoric acid fuel cells manufactured and operated in accordance with government and industry standards.

Requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to administer the program with minimum planned annual expenditures of $50 million from 2019 through 2029, including competitive procurements and incentive structures.

Mandates the program include diversity of project sizes, geographic distribution across customer classes, and consideration of economic benefits to the state while minimizing transmission and distribution system costs.

Requires annual reporting on program achievements and effectiveness, with the authority to establish a separate fuel cell incentive program with minimum $15 million in annual expenditures from 2019 through 2029.