ICYMI: IPPNY’S GAVIN DONOHUE HIGHLIGHTS CONSEQUENCES OF UTILITY-OWNED GENERATION FOR NEW YORK’S RATEPAYERS ON CAPITAL TONIGHT
“We need more infrastructure, we need more energy infrastructure. New York's electricity grid is the oldest in the United States. We need investments, but they shouldn't be on the backs of ratepayers.”
**Watch the Full Interview HERE**
ALBANY, NY – In case you missed it, yesterday, Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY), joined Spectrum’s Capital Tonight to discuss New York’s energy future amidst the launch of the group's widespread campaign opposing proposals to expand utility-owned generation in New York.
Policymakers and regulators in Albany are currently exploring proposals to allow utility-owned generation that could drive up energy costs, reduce system reliability, and diminish accountability to consumers and ratepayers. These proposals are not only unpopular with New Yorkers, research also shows that they will also drive up energy costs while weakening grid reliability and consumer protections.
Watch the full interview HERE.
Below are a few excerpts from Gavin Donohue’s interview:
On why the stakes are high for New York State’s energy grid:
“We need more infrastructure, we need more energy infrastructure. What folks don't realize is New York's electricity grid is the oldest in the United States. We need investments, but they shouldn't be on the backs of ratepayers.”
On how competition has historically kept energy prices down:
“The generation portion of this is about 30% of your electricity bill. So I think the record speaks for itself that wholesale generation competition in New York has worked for ratepayers. What we have to do is stop pulling the wool over ratepayers and be honest with them about the taxes and fees and the charges to deliver electricity in New York State and what they are.”
On why the competitive marketplace is better suited to tackle New York State’s power generation targets:
“[Utilities] don't have the expertise to build generation projects. We [private power producers] have proven over the last 25 years that we can build them effectively. We've lowered wholesale electricity rates by 30%, according to the ISO, over the last 20-25 years. And on top of it, we have a better environment. We've reduced air emissions significantly across New York State as a result of competition and private investment signals.”
On how policymakers should approach New York State’s power generation goals:
“We need more electricity, we need more juice today. We needed to attract these private investments into the state to get jobs and taxes. I believe the best way to do that is some competition… There are over 90 projects right now in the ISO for private developers that want to build renewables, traditional generation - just waiting for approval. So what we need to do in the state of New York to send a clear market signal that competition works, that ratepayers should not be held captive for delays, and cost overruns by utilities.”
