PSC chair urges long‑term planning, cites $1 billion annual efficiency push and New York Sun surplus

Rory Christian, chief executive officer of the New York State Department of Public Service and chair of the Public Service Commission, told a joint committee of the state Senate that modernization of the electric grid and tighter oversight of utility spending are central to the state’s energy and climate goals. "The welfare of all New Yorkers and the strength of our state's economy depends on safe, reliable, and affordable energy," Christian said during his opening remarks. He told senators the commission is responsible for setting just and reasonable rates under state law and for implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Christian described a series of recent Commission actions and programs aimed at affordability and the transition to clean energy. He said the commission authorized about $1 billion a year for energy efficiency and building electrification over the next five years and reallocated $360 million in surplus funds from the New York Sun solar program to offset part of that cost. Christian said the New York Sun program achieved its earlier goals ahead of schedule and under budget, leaving surplus funds that the commission redirected to energy‑efficiency and electrification programs to target low‑ and moderate‑income households. Christian…