A00535 - New York Grid Modernization Act

• Establishes a comprehensive 10-year grid modernization program requiring transmission and distribution companies and public power authorities to modernize New York's electric infrastructure, addressing aging transmission systems and increasing reliability.

• Creates a Smart Grid Advisory Council (7 voting members appointed by governor, senate, and assembly) to assess feasibility of statewide smart grid deployment and report to the Public Service Commission within 6 months of establishment.

• Forms a New York Transmission and Distribution Coordinating Council to identify areas of electrical congestion in the high-voltage transmission system and propose upgrades, including cost-sharing proposals, within 180 days.

• Requires utilities and authorities to implement distribution improvements (underground cables, utility pole replacement, storm hardening), energy low-income assistance programs, workforce development initiatives, and optional advanced metering infrastructure deployment.

• Caps rate increases from grid modernization expenses at 2.5 percent and mandates utilities with annual revenues over $200 million to hire only certified technicians, requiring 35 hours of continuing education annually starting one year after enactment.