New York State Releases 2025 Draft State Energy Plan

The New York State Energy Planning Board has released the 2025 Draft State Energy Plan, providing a detailed roadmap for how the state intends to meet its future energy needs while maintaining affordability, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

Planned Actions in the Draft State Energy Plan

The Draft Plan lays out a series of coordinated steps, including:

• Expanding Renewable Energy Generation: Increasing the build-out of large-scale solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects to supply a greater share of the state’s electricity.
• Modernizing the Grid: Upgrading transmission and distribution systems to handle more renewable power and improve reliability across urban and rural areas.
• Improving Energy Efficiency: Expanding programs that help homes, businesses, and industries reduce energy use through building retrofits, high-efficiency equipment, and energy management systems.
• Investing in Energy Storage: Deploying large-scale battery storage to balance supply and demand and support renewable integration.
• Electrifying Transportation: Expanding charging infrastructure, supporting electric bus and fleet conversions, and incentivizing the purchase of electric vehicles.
• Decarbonizing Buildings: Transitioning heating and cooling systems away from fossil fuels by supporting electric heat pumps and clean thermal technologies.
• Enhancing Energy Resilience: Strengthening energy infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events and improve emergency response capabilities.

Public Participation Opportunities

The 2025 Draft State Energy Plan is now open for public review and comment. The public comment period closes on October 6, 2025. New Yorkers can help shape the final version by:

• Submitting written comments to the State Energy Planning Board.
• Participating in public hearings to share feedback directly with policymakers.

Refer to the energy plan webpage for details on public hearings being held throughout the state, beginning with a virtual statewide session on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 2–4 PM.

Summary of the Draft State Energy Plan

The plan provides a path toward a cleaner energy system by 2040. It includes infrastructure upgrades, large-scale renewable development, incentives for electrification, and regulatory updates to accelerate clean energy deployment.

The strategies are designed to work in parallel, expanding clean generation while reducing overall demand, to ensure reliability and affordability throughout the transition. Disadvantaged communities are prioritized, with commitments to deliver at least 35% of program benefits to these areas.

How Walden Can Help

Walden’s team of experts in public engagement can help organizations, municipalities, and community groups understand the specific policies and programs outlined in the Draft Plan. We can also assist in preparing and submitting comments or testimony to ensure your perspective is represented in the final plan. Contact us to discuss your needs today at 516-518-3705.