Press Releases

Governor Cuomo and Legislature Agree to Power Plant Siting Law - June 22, 2011

IPPNY welcomes the end of an 8-year period without a comprehensive siting law

Albany, N.Y., 6/22/11 - The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislatures agreement to a new power plant siting law, and appreciates their extraordinary effort to hammer out a deal. The Governors Program Bill marks the end of over an 8-year period without such a law in place. This legislation is an improvement over previous proposed versions, as it provides a single permitting process that can be completed in one year. The law recognizes the importance of a power plant siting process as a key component of competitive electricity markets.

IPPNY Letter to FERC in Response to Mayor Bloomberg's letter re: Demand Curves - April 01, 2011

NYS Legislature Looks to Pile on Energy Consumers

Proposed taxes/fees on fuels to produce electricity ultimately borne by consumers

Energy consumers have become the latest target in the New York State Legislatures efforts to tax its way into a balanced budget, according to the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY). Every day electricity ratepayers  ranging from manufacturers to small businesses to households  would be forced to pick up the tab for proposed broad-based taxes or fees on fuels used to produce electricity. Such an increase in energy costs would come on the heels of the 2009 State Budget, which included $853 million in new and/or increased taxes and fees on New Yorks energy sector. Unfortunately for New Yorkers, such taxes and fees ultimately result in higher energy prices for the states businesses and residents, with last years extra charges equating to an annual increase of over $900 in household power bills.

Report Finds Relationship Between High NYS Taxes and Energy Rates - March 04, 2010

High Taxes Lead to Increased Costs to Energy Consumers

Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today expressed their strong support of the Public Policy Institute's latest findings exposing how energy taxes contribute to high electricity rates for New York State energy consumers and further weaken the state's economy. Earlier today, the Public Policy Institute, the research affiliate of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. unveiled a new report, entitled Short-Circuiting New York's Recovery, How Energy Taxes Contribute to High Electric Rates in New York, which highlights the direct relationship between New York State's record high taxes on its energy industry and the subsequent increased cost passed on to consumers through their electricity rates.

IPPNY Supports Push to Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the Federal Level - December 07, 2009

Albany, N.Y., 12/7/09 - The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) has long favored a properly structured national greenhouse gas emission control program, as the most appropriate and effective means to address greenhouse gas emissions in this country.

New York Power Generators Not On List of Top Carbon Dioxide Emitting Plants In U.S. - November 24, 2009

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today is pleased to announce that, according to a recent report released by Environment New York Research and Policy Center, New York generators are not included in the ranking of the 150 highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting power plants in the country.

IPPNY Testifies at the Public Hearing on the Draft State Energy Plan - September 15, 2009

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today expressed its support for the direction and scope of the Draft NYS Energy Plan, while also reinforcing the need to foster policies that better position New York State to attract necessary energy investments. Gavin Donohue, IPPNY's President and CEO, testified this morning at a public hearing, before members of the New York State Energy Planning Board.

IPPNY Critical of Flawed Report Attacking New York's Energy Markets - June 05, 2009

Report paints an incomplete and inaccurate picture; ignores benefits of competitive markets

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today criticized both the content and timing of yet another report released by New York State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky that defies the facts. In this instance, he is standing behind a report that examines revenues earned by a small sub-section of New York State electricity generators, even though it distorts facts pertaining to the state's energy markets and ignores the numerous successes that have taken place under competitive markets.

IPPNY Supports Commission on State Asset Maximization Recommendations - June 01, 2009

Exploration of NYPA/LIPA Generation Divestiture Should be Priority Going Forward

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today stated its general support of the energy-specific elements of the Final Report of Recommendations submitted to Governor David Paterson by the New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization. Many of the report's recommendations, including support for a siting statute, investment in renewable energy, and expansion of energy efficiency efforts, make sound energy and economic sense. IPPNY looks forward to providing additional elements for consideration as the state advances asset maximization.

IPPNY Welcomes Discussions Aimed at Improving RGGI Program - March 09, 2009

Opportunity exists to enhance fairness while achieving environmental benefits

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today renewed its call for a properly structured Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that balances environmental, economic, and energy needs. IPPNY has consistently identified flaws in the RGGI rule that unfairly punish power producers in New York State, including the inability for power producers who are locked into long-term contracts to recoup costs associated with the purchase of CO2 allowances. For several years, these concerns were communicated in IPPNY's comments to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and to the press and public through multiple press releases during the RGGI rulemaking process. Both during the rulemaking process and after, IPPNY made those same concerns known to the Executive Branch in a manner that is available to every citizen and interest group in this state. IPPNY's call for an appropriate set-aside of allowances for power producers locked into long-term contracts is consistent with programs that have been implemented in our neighboring states.

IPPNY Testifies In Support of Competitive Energy Markets - March 05, 2009

Uniform clearing price promotes efficiency, new investment

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today expressed strong support for New York State's competitive energy markets and warned that unwarranted re-regulation of the market could have negative consequences for electricity consumers. Gavin Donohue, IPPNY President and CEO testified this morning, at a public hearing, before members of the Joint Assembly Standing Committee on Energy and the Assembly Standing Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.

Studies Find Competitive Energy Markets Provide Greatest Benefits - March 03, 2009

Uniform clearing price within competitive markets promotes efficiency, new investment

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today expressed their strong support of the COMPETE Coalition's efforts to promote the latest findings regarding competitive U.S. electricity markets. Earlier today, the COMPETE Coalition unveiled two new studies that refute recent criticism of the single clearing price auction and the relative benefits of long term contracts. Both studies, Single Clearing Price in Electricity Markets by Ross Baldick, University of Texas at Austin and Market Misperceptions and Regrets about Past Business Decisions, by Roy Shanker, a long-time expert consultant in the electric utility sector, reject unsupported arguments that pay-as-bid would result in lower electricity prices.

IPPNY Opposes Increased Fees Proposed by Environmental Groups Due to Energy Cost and Investment Concerns - January 13, 2009

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) praises Governor David A. Paterson for working with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis to reject any proposals to increase permit fees for facilities (including energy facilities) that are regulated under Title V of the Federal Clean Air Act. It is evident that such a fee increase, which ultimately will be borne by New York's consumers, is imprudent given the dire condition of the state's economy. Yet, narrowly focused environmental groups are taking the unwise step of calling for potentially $19 million in additional fees that ultimately will increase the financial weight on already overburdened energy consumers.

IPPNY Supports Energy Themes Advanced by Gov. Paterson in State of the State Address - January 07, 2009

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) today announced its support for the energy-related initiatives laid out by Governor David Paterson in his State of the State address. Specifically, the governor has called for additional investment in the state's power generating facilities and its transmission and distribution systems, as well as energy efficiency efforts. IPPNY has consistently called for additional investment in New York's energy infrastructure as a mechanism to help spur economic development.

Wholesale Energy Prices Drop in New York State - December 11, 2008

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY) supports the findings released today by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that indicate wholesale electricity prices over the past eight years have decreased by 11% in New York, when adjusted for fuel costs. That decrease in prices - due in large part to advancements made in existing and new generating facilities - translates into $1.2 billion savings for New York's consumers.

DEC's RGGI Program Will Jolt Ratepayers, Curtail Investment - August 11, 2008

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is approving a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that will hit New York's energy consumers with higher electric bills and have a chilling effect on potential investment in this state, according to the Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc. (IPPNY).

IPPNY Applauds Selection of Stephen Whitley as New NYISO President and CEO - June 04, 2008

The Independent Power Producers of New York, Inc (IPPNY), today applauded the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for selecting Stephen Whitley as its president and CEO.