Many of our members looking to install distributed energy resources (DER), like solar or wind, ask the question, "Why don't I qualify for most New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grants?" I'd like to take this opportunity to explain the funding sources for NYSERDA grants and why we here at the Cooperative believe our members, despite being ineligible for certain funding, are still on the forefront of the clean energy movement.

NYSERDA established what is known as the Clean Energy Fund (CEF). It is designed to deliver on New York State's commitment to drive economic development and accelerate the use of clean energy and energy innovation through 2026. Authorized by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2016, the CEF was projected to collect approximately $5.322 billion over ten years. CEF funding is collected through a System Benefits Charge (SBC). SBC charges are added to ratepayer bills of New York investor-owned utilities like NYSEG and National Grid. Currently those fees range from .004 to .005 cents per kWh. Those amounts may not seem like a lot on their own, but OMEC's average residential and farm usage is 1,200 kWh and 3,000 kWh per month, respectively. If OMEC participated, an SBC would tack on extra fees ranging from $4.80 to $15.00 a month to your bill.

While we strongly believe in working towards clean energy goals, adding on extra charges that may end up outside of the communities that we serve does not seem the best way for cooperative members to contribute. We believe that all revenue collected from our membership should directly benefit our membership. New York State Electric Cooperatives have been on the forefront of clean energy for over 60 years. 87% of NYS Coops energy is clean, renewable power generated at the Robert Moses Hydroelectric Plant in Niagara Falls.
OMEC does not ask its members to subside individual DER projects. We encourage our members interested in DER to thoroughly research their potential projects and OMEC will always remain "cooperative" and helpful as they see those projects to fruition.