Energy is one of the largest and most complex climate challenges for New York City to tackle. Most of our energy comes from polluting fossil fuels, which damage local air quality and contribute to global climate crises. In addition, our energy supply system is increasingly strained under the weight of a growing population and aging infrastructure.

To achieve the City’s aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals, the electric grid serving NYC must become 70 to 80 percent renewable. This will require working with the private sector, the state, and federal energy regulators to maximize renewable resources in the city, increase transmission from clean and carbon-free resources located outside the city, and replace New York City’s older power plants.

Despite New York City’s ambitious target of achieving 1000 MW solar capacity by 2030, solar in the city alone will not meet New York City’s energy needs. New York City needs new transmission to connect to carbon-free power generated elsewhere, such as renewables located in the northern and western parts of New York State, Canadian hydropower, or offshore wind. The City is actively studying different transmission options as well as working closely with state authorities, regulators, developers, and the New York Independent System Operator to determine transmission needs, build new facilities, and develop smart transmission technology. Learn more about the City's transmission needs here: https://www.nyiso.com/documents/20142/3746071/a_NYISO_PPTN_NYC_Nov2018.pdf/3c556c15-bb18-cf3d-551a-e3ae161a76c0

Since 2014, the city’s renewable solar energy has increased over sixfold. Community solar provides broad access to solar energy by allowing subscribers to receive credit for energy produced by a solar array, even if that array is owned by another party. The City is currently developing community shared solar projects at NYCHA and EDC to serve thousands of low-income New Yorkers.