NY A02655

Creates new energy efficiency program requirements under Public Service Commission oversight, defining "energy efficiency" as reduction in overall energy use measured against baseline consumption or in BTUs, including environmentally beneficial electrification.

Requires utilities to allocate job training funding proportionally to priority populations (veterans, individuals with disabilities, low-income individuals, previously incarcerated individuals, and disadvantaged community residents) and hire workers from these groups starting three years after enactment.

Mandates utilities allocate residential and small commercial building energy efficiency program funding proportionally to disadvantaged communities based on their share of total state housing and building stock, beginning three years after enactment.

Requires utilities unable to meet hiring and training targets to file annual reports describing outreach efforts and submit plans to build qualified applicant pools, subject to public comment and PSC oversight.

Authorizes New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to fund non-energy interventions (mold, lead, asbestos remediation) alongside efficiency measures, measure tenant displacement rates, and identify workforce gaps in disadvantaged communities for apprenticeship and training program funding.