New York Public Service Commission Issues Two Significant Community Solar Orders

On September 15, the New York Public Service Commission ("Commission") issued orders modifying the Expanded Solar for All ("E-SFA") program and implementing several billing measures to address pervasive CDG billing delays by utilities.

In its Order Modifying Expanded Solar for All Program, the Commission granted a request by the Coalition for Community Solar Access to allow E-SFA participants to simultaneously subscribe to a community distributed generation ("CDG"), remote crediting or remote net metered project. E-SFA is a recently-approved program under which the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") solicits eligible solar projects to participate and generate bill credits. National Grid then allocates those credits to reduce the utility bills of its low-income customers who are automatically enrolled in the program on an opt-out basis. Although customers are not allowed to subscribe to multiple CDG projects, the