NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Today's Bulk Energy Storage solicitation is another example of Governor Hochul's commitment to meeting New York's growing clean energy demand by putting affordability and reliability front and center. Energy storage reserves power when it is less expensive so that we can limit reliance on the most expensive power during peak hours - reducing the strain on our grid and delivering real cost savings to New Yorkers."

Administered by NYSERDA through its Bulk Energy Storage Program, this competitive solicitation is open to a range of eligible energy storage technologies and seeks to achieve timely progress towards procuring three gigawatts of bulk energy storage over at least three annual solicitations in support of the state's broader goal of deploying six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030.

Any NYSERDA-supported energy storage project is contractually required to meet updated storage safety codes, which are among the most stringent in the nation, and reflect the work and recommendations of the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group convened by Governor Hochul in 2023. These safety codes ensure that first responders have the necessary training, facilities are sited safely, and that all sites have comprehensive emergency response plans.

Entities interested in responding to this solicitation must first complete "Step One," which is an initial qualifying step for proposers to demonstrate program eligibility. Step One Eligibility Applications are due to NYSERDA by 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 15, 2026. If NYSERDA deems proposals eligible, proposers will be invited to submit a "Step Two" bid proposal for project evaluation.

NYSERDA's Bulk Energy Storage Program employs an Index Storage Credit (ISC) incentive, as established in the New York State Public Service Commission 2024 Energy Storage Order, modeled in part after the Renewable Energy Certificate and Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credit utilized in other NYSERDA programs.

NYSERDA supports robust safety measures for all projects and, as a result, will not pay for ISCs until the awarded and contracted projects are permitted, installed and operating and have passed their peer review process and quality assurance inspection - both key milestones to ensure that all projects are designed and constructed with New York's best-in-class safety standards. Project proposals must include plans to comply with the State's comprehensive safety and security requirements, and to comply with the Bulk Energy Storage Program Manual requirements.

Also, associated with this solicitation, NY Green Bank (NYGB), a division of NYSERDA and a specialized investment fund dedicated to bridging financial gaps in clean energy and renewable infrastructure markets in New York State, is prepared to support project developers and investors with a range of financing options in order to advance energy storage. Entities interested in applying for this financing can submit an application to NYGB RFP No. 1 .

NYSERDA's siting team also works closely with local governments to provide tailored education, technical assistance, and model local laws. Through its clean energy siting resources, the siting team empowers communities with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and manage responsible clean energy development in host communities.

Secretary of State Walter Mosley said, "Battery storage can help lower costs for consumers by making better use of the existing electric grid, reducing wasted renewable energy, providing extra power when demand is highest and potentially eliminating the need for costly new transmission lines. Adding more bulk energy storage to New York's grid will lower costs and enhance energy grid infrastructure and that's why we applaud the Governor's ongoing commitment to protecting New York's energy consumers, while moving us closer to the state's energy goals."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "As New York continues to advance climate action and invest in clean energy to reduce emissions across the state, Governor Hochul recognizes the need for additional energy storage projects to support our electric grid and help lower costs for ratepayers. This Bulk Energy Storage solicitation will add approximately one gigawatt of energy storage to support the state's 2030 targets and directs investments in overburdened disadvantaged communities to curb peaker plant emissions."

State Fire Administrator James Cable said, "The Office of Fire Prevention and Control is proud to work alongside our partners with the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group dedicated to ensuring energy storage projects meet the highest safety standards. As New York State invests in our clean energy future, we will continue to support, train and ensure our local fire services have the resources they need to keep their communities safe."

New York-Best Executive Director William Acker said, "NY-BEST applauds Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for moving forward with the next round of bulk energy storage procurement. Expanding energy storage deployment is essential to making New York's electric grid more affordable, efficient, and reliable by maximizing the value of existing generation and transmission infrastructure, reducing peak electricity costs, and meeting growing electricity demand."

Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, "ACE NY thanks NYSERDA for keeping New York on track to advance much-needed energy storage projects. Energy storage is the Swiss Army knife for the grid, enhancing the goals of affordability and reliability. By deploying this technology around our state, we will have a more reliable, resilient power grid, and storage will allow us to fully utilize the benefits and stable prices that renewable sources have to offer."

NYC Environmental Justice Alliance Executive Director Eddie Bautista said, "Achieving 6 gigawatts of battery storage capacity across the State remains a key goal of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. As New York faces the urgent need to keep our grid more reliable, resilient, and affordable, batteries provide the opportunity to retire and replace dirty and expensive fossil fuel peaker plants for environmental justice communities. NYC-EJA thanks NYSERDA for the quick progress in soliciting another round of bulk energy storage projects after the first round of awards during Climate Week, and looks forward to seeing the continued success of the program."

New York's 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap, created to support the state's target of 6 gigawatts deployed by 2030, recommended deployment of an incremental 4,700 megawatts consisting of 3,000 megawatts bulk, 200 megawatts of new residential-scale energy storage and 1,500 megawatts of new commercial and community-scale energy. Additionally, at least 35 percent of off-site retail and bulk energy storage projects supported by NYSERDA are planned to be sited in downstate New York, where they are most likely to benefit disadvantaged communities and reduce peaker plant emissions.

Today's announcement builds on awards recently announced by NYSERDA through its first Bulk Energy Storage solicitation. The eight contracted bulk energy storage projects, which range geographically from New York City and Long Island to Hudson Valley and Western New York, will add 950 megawatts of new energy storage capacity once operational.

CHARGE Agenda

The Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda is a comprehensive plan to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers while achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid. The five-pronged strategy focuses on driving down consumer costs, holding energy companies accountable, building clean energy at scale, modernizing the state's aging grid, and growing a clean economy with family-sustaining jobs. Through bold initiatives like the Ratepayer Protection Plan, historic transmission buildouts, and a new 8.4-gigawatt "Nuclear Backbone," the CHARGE agenda ensures an affordable, resilient, and self-sufficient energy future that prioritizes everyday ratepayers while building a cleaner, more sustainable New York.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York's energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority