With an eye on 2040, the State Energy Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a State Energy Plan, which is based on findings from more than a year-long assessment of current systems and future energy needs that will guide the energy-related decision making.

Its objectives include ensuring affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment. The plan also embraces a continued commitment to renewables while also noting that a variety of energy sources, like advanced nuclear and natural gas, will be needed to help New York meet its overall energy needs over the next 15 years.

“The State Energy Plan is the product of a pragmatic and objective process that comes at a critical yet challenging time for energy planning in New York as we continue to build out renewable resources while factoring in new energy demands and confronting federal headwinds, said Doreen M. Harris, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and chief executive officer.

“I commend my fellow Board members and state agency staff for their dedication to developing this Plan, which identifies specific actions to advance over the next several years while maintaining resource diversity – which is key to continued energy reliability and affordability for all New Yorkers.”

The Plan was developed at a time when the energy sector faces significant uncertainty stemming from economic pressures and a shift in federal priorities and policies away from renewable energy projects. The analyses conducted for the Plan have been updated to reflect the latest available data and federal actions since modelling was completed for the Draft Plan released in July. Updates also included further focus on energy affordability considerations and strategies to manage system costs, including through demand-side flexibility and added discussion of new, large loads and ways to manage associated grid and cost impacts.

The analyses inform five primary planning goals and associated actions to continue to meet New York’s energy needs which include:

— Delivering abundant, reliable, resilient and clean energy through a diverse mix of resources and supply infrastructure, while supporting energy efficiency and load flexibility.

— Providing affordable energy to households and equitable benefits – with a focus on reducing the upfront costs of efficiency and clean energy choices to help cut spending and lessen the burden for lower-income households.

— Supporting economic growth and competitiveness by investing in workforce development, meeting the needs of large energy users, and attracting new industry, including clean energy leaders.

— Strengthening partnerships across New York’s innovation ecosystem to foster economic development, create jobs, and provide greater leverage for State investments.

— Continuing progress toward decarbonization and a clean energy economy.

One of Western New York’s largest providers showed its support for the plan. “NYSERDA and the State Energy Planning Board demonstrated strong, thoughtful leadership in their 2025 State Energy Plan, expanding on Governor Hochul’s call for an all-of-the above approach,” said National Grid New York President Sally Librera in a statement. “Importantly, the plan recognizes critical electric and natural gas infrastructure investments are needed to meet the growing demands of our customers, including businesses that power our economy. National Grid stands ready to support the next phase of policy making that will ensure New York’s reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.”

The process to update the State Energy Plan was announced in August 2024. The State Energy Planning Board, comprised of the heads of 10 state agencies and authorities, appointees from the governor, Senate, and Assembly, and the president of the New York Independent System Operator, commenced its work to assess and compile data to inform the Draft State Energy Plan, which was released in July for public review and comment.

The release of the Plan follows a public comment period which included 10 public hearings, seven in-person and three virtual, and written comments. The State Energy Planning Board received and considered nearly 15,000 written comments and more than 1,000 people attended public hearings, with nearly 450 providing oral comments – which were also considered. The Board received input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including individual New Yorkers, environmental organizations, utilities and energy companies, labor unions, and trade and business organizations, underscoring the importance of the Plan’s focus on energy affordability and maintaining an abundant and diverse mix of energy sources and supply infrastructure.

“Energy planning is far from a simple endeavor,” said New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said. “Each iteration of the state energy plan has focused on addressing immediate needs and proactively addressing challenges on the horizon. Today, we have many challenges. Rapid load growth, increasingly frequent severe weather driven by climate change and a constantly evolving federal landscape that is absent of the stability needed to ensure energy security. This is why this State energy plan is so important. Through this effort, we chart a path toward a cleaner, sustainable energy future.”