NYPA Press Release

For Immediate Release:10/14/25

Media Relations Contact: media.inquiries@nypa.gov

RFA Questions Contact: REACH@nypa.gov

 

 

New York Power Authority Releases REACH Program Request for Application

 

Applicants Sought to Contribute to REACH Utility Bill Credits,
Make Renewable Energy More Affordable for New Yorkers

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today released a new Request for Application (RFA) for industry developers, storage companies, and other collaborators seeking to voluntarily contribute to the Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) Program. In October 2024,Governor Kathy Hochul announcedthe REACH program, which will provide electric bill credits for low-income households in disadvantaged communities across the state. The RFA seeks responses from potential applicants, including renewable energy and energy storage developers who are interested in entering into voluntary contribution agreements with the Power Authority to support the REACH effort and make disadvantaged community commitments in their renewable energy certificate or storage credit agreements.

 

“NYPA is hard at work advancing renewable energy projects like the North Albany Solar project and others that will support the REACH program; today we are seeking the help of developers to help make REACH even more impactful,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll.“Affordability is a growing concern for New Yorkers, and by opening up the REACH program to private-sector contributors, the Power Authority can expand New York State’s assistance to those in need of utility bill relief.”

 

Those interested in responding to today’s RFA can fill out this application. Applicants can review theRFAand related materials on the Power Authority’s webpage.

 

“NYPA is very proud of our REACH program and the benefits it will bring to low-income New Yorkers,” said Chris Hutson, NYPA Senior Vice President of Development. “With this RFA we will be joined by like-minded developers and contributors to make the REACH program a success for years and decades to come. In April, I was pleased to be present to announce the first REACH project to be developed by NYPA, the North Albany Landfill project. As we build projects outlined in our Renewables Strategic Plan, we’ll identify more REACH projects that will help make utility bills more affordable”

 

NYPA Renewables

The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized and directed NYPA to advance renewable energy development, building on the Power Authority’s existing efforts to provide reliable, affordable and clean power and expand New York’s transmission system.

 

Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, the Power Authority has made significant progress, including establishing new business structures, filling key roles, making regulatory filings, securing tax rulings, and advancing initial projects. NYPA issued a $100 million bond issuance for new renewables and established a new renewables subsidiary, New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

 

In September, Governor Hochul announced $200 million in State budget funding that will be directed to the Power Authority to accelerate renewables deployment. The funds will reduce ratepayer costs as NYPA continues to build projects that will strengthen New York’s grid with diversified generation resources.

 

NYPA recently published a draft of its Updated Renewables Strategic Plan, which details the Power Authority’s efforts to develop, own and operate renewable generation and energy storage projects to improve the reliability and resiliency of New York’s grid. The draft updated plan details 64 potential clean energy projects and portfolios representing nearly seven gigawatts of capacity. NYPA held two virtual public hearings and a 45-day public comment period associated with the plan that ended on Sept. 12. More than 6,000 comments were received and reviewed. The NYPA Board of Trustees will hold a vote on the draft updated plan in December.

 

In April, Governor Hochul announced the first renewable energy project participating in the REACH program. The project, a 1.5-megawatt solar energy system at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park will be co-developed by the Power Authority and the City of Albany. The ground-mounted solar project is estimated to come online in 2027.

 

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About NYPA

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visitwww.nypa.govand follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Substack, and LinkedIn.