Section 6-108 - Supplemental studies for future energy planningThe board shall undertake the following studies to supplement information for future energy planning:
1. On or before September first, two thousand twelve, and every four years thereafter, the board shall undertake a study of the overall reliability of the state's electric transmission and distribution system. The board may contract with an independent and competitively selected contractor to undertake such study. The board shall prepare a report on such study's findings and legislative recommendations. The board shall transmit such report along with the reliability study to the governor, the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate, the chair of the assembly energy committee, and the chair of the senate energy and telecommunications committee.2. Such study shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of each of the following: (a) the current and projected reliability of the electric power system over the term of the planning period, with specific focus on transmission systems and distribution systems within the state. The assessment shall examine: (i) investment in infrastructure, including capital improvements, expansions, and maintenance; and (ii) workforce utilization. (b) the potential impact of the following on distribution system reliability and on each factor enumerated in paragraph (a) of this subdivision: (i) distributed electric generation, especially generation using renewable or innovative energy resources; (ii) energy conservation and efficiency; (iii) load control and peak saving measures; (iv) corporate reorganization of electric utilities; (v) performance ratemaking, multi-year rate agreements, and other departures from traditional regulatory mechanisms; and (vi) large scale industrial development. (c) the potential impact of the following on transmission system reliability: (i) each factor enumerated in paragraph (b) of this subdivision; (ii) changes in protocols for electricity dispatched through the BSO or its successor or successors; (iii) accommodation of proposed new electric generation facilities or repowering or life extension of existing facilities; and (iv) the market-driven nature of decisions to build, size, and locate such facilities. 3. The board and any contractors it may retain for such purposes shall consult with entities that have resources and expertise to assist in such study, including, but not limited to, the BSO, public utilities, and any other electric company or trade organizations. (a) The Long Island power authority, the power authority of the state of New York, the department of public service, and the BSO shall cooperate with the board and its contractor.(b) The Long Island power authority and the power authority of the state of New York are authorized, as deemed feasible and advisable by their respective boards, to make a voluntary contribution toward the study.