State Energy Planning Board Approves State Energy Plan

Plan Provides Pragmatic Approach for Energy-Related Decision Making in New York State

December 16, 2025

The State Energy Planning Board (Board), chaired by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris, voted unanimously today to approve a State Energy Plan (Plan). The Plan  includes recommendations, which are based on findings from more than a year-long assessment of current systems and future energy needs through 2040, that will guide the State’s energy-related decision making.

Today’s approval of the Plan advances multiple objectives of the State including ensuring affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy while supporting economic development, equity, and a healthy environment. The plan embraces the State's 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.

NYSERDA President and CEO and State Energy Planning Board Chair Doreen M. Harris said, “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. 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 2025. 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; and

• continuing progress toward decarbonization and a clean energy economy.

Fact sheets summarizing the analyses are available on the State Energy Plan website .

The process to update the State Energy Plan was announced in August 2024. The State Energy Planning Board , comprised of the heads of ten 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 2025 for public review and comment.

The release of the 2025 Plan follows a robust public comment period which included 10 public hearings, seven in-person and three virtual, and written comment. 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.

Successful implementation of the Plan will involve State agency coordination, partnership with all levels of government and local communities, and participation of private sector entities invested in New York’s energy future. The Board is required to prepare biennial reports every second year following the issuance of a State Energy Plan that discuss the ability of the State and private markets to implement the policies, programs, and other recommendations in the Plan and recommend new or amended policies as needed. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for email updates on the Plan .

New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “New York State has long focused on ensuring plentiful, affordable, reliable, and clean energy services to the citizens of New York. Energy planning is far from a simple endeavor. 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.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Securing a positive climate and energy future for New York requires careful planning and implementation to advance energy innovation and economic development. This approved plan highlights how we can reduce harmful emissions and decrease climate impacts, particularly those affecting disadvantaged communities across New York State. DEC is thankful to the State Energy Planning Board for its efforts to continue to improve quality of life for New Yorkers by advancing our clean energy transition.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Making sure New Yorkers have an abundant supply of reliable and affordable energy, while building the skilled workforce to support that growth, is an essential part of the State Energy Plan. The New York State Department of Labor stands ready to work with our agency partners to ensure that New York is prepared to not only meet our climate change goals but also create opportunities for great-paying careers in the clean energy sector.”

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “This comprehensive and pragmatic plan will serve as a blueprint for effective energy policy that addresses New York’s economic, social and environmental needs. The Department of State is proud to have provided its expertise on several critical areas that impact energy use and planning, including land use and community infrastructure, clean energy, affordability and inter-agency collaboration. In this complex and ever-changing world of energy policy, this plan offers a clear path toward a more resilient, reliable and equitable energy future.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “As we work to address the future transportation needs of New Yorkers, it is imperative that we take steps now to ensure the state has abundant sources of reliable, affordable and clean energy available to help us power through the 21st Century. The State Energy Plan is a tremendous step toward achieving that goal and it will help provide a bright, energy-abundant future for the Empire State. I thank all involved in the efforts of the Energy Planning Board, especially our government partners in producing this comprehensive, forward-looking document.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Agriculture has long been at the table as an important part of the State’s clean energy agenda. The State Energy Plan approved today is timely and practical and supports on-farm energy production and efficiency projects to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I applaud the State Energy Planning Board, and our state agency partners for coming together on this comprehensive blueprint that will guide New York State, including our agricultural industry, in its energy goals now and for the future.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The reliability and affordability of energy in New York is vital to businesses here, and those looking to establish, thrive and create jobs throughout the state. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, the State Energy Plan encompasses our collective efforts to recognize and address these concerns and create a roadmap to advance forward-thinking strategies while promoting sustainable economic growth.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Ensuring New Yorkers have access to reliable, efficient and affordable energy is critical to both the security and prosperity of our state. The State Energy Plan will serve as a crucial roadmap to meeting those goals and will help our economy flourish in the years to come.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “After nearly 15 months spent developing this Energy Plan, the next step is beginning to adopt its recommendations and educating the public. I stand ready to work with my partners throughout the state to implement a plan that ensures reliability, affordability, and safety for all New Yorkers as we continue with our clean energy transition.”

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “With nation-leading research on battery storage and other clean energy innovations, workforce training programs on wind power, HVAC, EVs and other emerging areas of employment, and comprehensive efforts to install thermal energy networks to get to net zero on our campuses, SUNY is proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and state leaders as we deliver a more sustainable and healthier future for New Yorkers. Education, research, and workforce development are fundamental to New York’s clean energy future, and SUNY is proud to contribute to the State Energy Plan for New York’s future.”

New York Independent System Operator President and CEO Rich Dewey said, “The approved State Energy Plan reflects the realities we're seeing on the grid today as well as the variables we're planning for into the future. Considering the rise in forecasted load growth and the challenges of adding new generation, having a sound plan that prioritizes reliability is essential. The NYISO appreciates the opportunity to share our data-driven planning insights with the professionals who developed the plan. This collaborative partnership is critical as we work through this unprecedented transition.”

More information on the State Energy Plan can be found on the State Energy Plan website . All written comments received will be posted on the State Energy Plan website  as soon as practicable.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors. The State is also working to disburse the historic $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver targeted funding to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs, and spur green job growth