New York’s electric grid is heading toward serious trouble — and it could start as soon as next summer, according to a warning from the state Assembly’s top Republican.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay sounded the alarm Thursday, citing two recent reports from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that predict major reliability problems for downstate regions and the state as a whole. He blamed what he called a rushed and poorly planned transition away from traditional energy sources under New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
“We do not have the infrastructure to handle complete electrification,” Barclay said. “The state’s overall energy plan is not merely inadequate but extremely dangerous.”
A short-term NYISO report pointed to potential energy shortfalls in New York City and Long Island starting next summer. The reasons: older power plants shutting down, rising demand, and limits in the state’s ability to move energy around.
A second, longer-range report offered an even more serious warning. The 2025-2034 Comprehensive Reliability Plan described “an era of profound reliability challenges” caused by aging power systems, skyrocketing electricity use — especially from tech industries like data centers — and delays in bringing new sources of power online.
Barclay said a grid failure during extreme heat or cold could put lives at risk. He pointed to a near-miss in June, when NYISO issued an “Energy Warning” — the last step before a full-scale energy emergency.
Nuclear power gets another look
Barclay said one possible solution is expanding nuclear energy. He noted a recent directive from Gov. Kathy Hochul for the New York Power Authority to begin planning a new zero-emission nuclear plant in Upstate New York. While he welcomed that step, he said far more needs to happen — and quickly.
“An unreliable energy grid is unsafe, economically disadvantageous and entirely avoidable,” Barclay said. “We must address these concerns now, with the full measure of our legislative tools.”
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