New York regulators are considering whether utility companies should be allowed to own large power projects again for the first time in nearly 30 years.
According to the Times Union, the idea comes as the state struggles to build enough wind and solar power to meet rising demand and reach its clean energy goal by 2040. Utilities such as National Grid and Con Edison say they could help by developing more renewable energy each year.
Supporters say the change could make the power system more reliable and help New York hit its climate targets. Critics say it could shift more risk to customers, especially if projects cost more than expected.
The big question is whether letting utilities own power projects would speed up clean energy growth or simply give them another way to profit while ratepayers carry the risk.
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