NY S04590

Establishes the New York State Grid Modernization Commission within 180 days, comprising 11 state agency heads/designees plus 8 appointed representatives from the Governor, legislative leaders, and minority leaders

Requires commission membership to include representatives from communities of color, low-income communities, environmental justice advocates, and geographic diversity (NYC, rural, and upstate urban areas) with expertise in fields like engineering, law, or utility regulation

Commission must study electric grid modernization challenges identified in the NYISO 2021-2040 System & Resource Outlook, examining technologies including microgrids, distributed energy resources, energy storage, electric vehicles, and advanced demand management systems

Initial report with findings and recommendations due to the State Energy Planning Board within 18 months, followed by annual update reports posted publicly and sent to legislative leaders

Commission will recommend grants to NYSERDA for eligible grid modernization projects, and the State Energy Planning Board must consult the commission when developing the state energy plan