Market-Enabling Systems Change

Operates and administers New York's wholesale electricity markets for energy, ancillary services, and capacity, using price signals to ensure reliable and cost-effective power delivery. Calculates electricity prices by dispatching the least-cost resources and establishing uniform clearing prices, while enabling investment in clean and dispatchable generation.

Provides training programs for market participants and stakeholders on NYISO-administered electricity markets. Operates a 12-week internship program with seminars, field trips, and project work, many of whom are hired into full-time positions after completion.

Operates an open-access interconnection process for new clean energy and transmission projects, conducting technical studies to assess reliability impacts, required upgrades, and associated costs. Provides coordination and analysis to integrate new resources into the bulk power system.

Manages the flow of electricity across New York's high-voltage transmission system 24/7, balancing supply and demand, monitoring grid conditions, and directing generator output and transmission operations to maintain reliability under strict regulatory standards. Coordinates emergency response and works with regional operators to ensure stability across the Eastern Interconnection.

Conducts long-term planning studies including Reliability Needs Assessments (RNA) every two years and Short-Term Assessments on Reliability (STAR) quarterly to evaluate resource adequacy and transmission constraints over 5- to 20-year horizons. Identifies necessary system upgrades and investments to maintain grid reliability as New York transitions to a clean energy future.

Conducts in-depth analysis of power system data and publishes annual reports, press releases, and detailed studies on grid trends, reliability, and operational performance. Disseminates findings through the Power Trends report series, STAR reports, and the Outlook Report to inform stakeholders and the public.

Produces multimedia content including the Power Trends Podcast and "Grid of the Future" video series to educate stakeholders on energy trends, grid operations, climate resilience, and clean energy integration. Offers informational resources explaining electricity pricing and system changes for the public.

Offers financing solutions to support energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives, enabling building upgrades and sustainable infrastructure improvements in New York City.

Monitors and participates in state and federal regulatory proceedings to advocate for competitive market frameworks, harmonized definitions of renewable energy, and cross-state renewable energy trading.

Conducts research on the technical and socioeconomic aspects of renewable energy to support market development and issues RFPs to fund research and development projects based on member input.

Produces and distributes newsletters, position papers, and a centralized collection of market information on emerging renewable energy markets to inform members and the public about renewable energy developments.

Organizes and hosts annual conferences and leadership forums on renewable energy policy and market development, including events at Pace University and Marist College, featuring expert engagement and interactive learning. Events have been held in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2023.

Highlights member-led renewable energy projects and capabilities to increase visibility and support participation in competitive energy markets.

Offers educational resources for consumers and children on renewable energy sources, electricity generation (e.g., wind turbines), energy-saving practices, and smart energy choices, including content sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Establishes and supports committees to address challenges in renewable energy markets and provides market information and advocacy support to project developers.

Participates in state regulatory proceedings and leads initiatives like Freeing the Grid to promote strong interconnection rules and smart inverter standards. Model Interconnection Procedures have been adopted in nearly half of U.S. states, and advocacy supports equitable access and modernization of distributed energy resource policies.

Leads the multi-year BATRIES project funded by the Department of Energy to identify and solve interconnection challenges for standalone and solar-plus-storage systems. Publishes guidance for policymakers and develops solutions to streamline deployment of energy storage technologies.

Produces technical reports, decision tools, and evaluation frameworks to support regulatory adoption of updated interconnection standards such as IEEE 1547-2018, including the Decision Options Matrix, Adoption Tracker, and guidance on hosting capacity analyses and grid investments. Research informs utility planning and regulatory oversight across U.S. states and Canadian regional transmission organizations.