June 9, 2020
As outlined in the CDG Implementation Order issued by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on July 17, 2015, there are a number of general guidelines and rules for Community Distributed Generation (CDG) in New York. Community Distributed Generation, also known as Community Solar, offers solar access to energy consumers who may not be able to install solar panels on their property for a number of reasons.
The CDG Implementation Order, referenced above, established a program allowing multiple customers to receive utility bill credits from a single community solar facility. According to the PSC, a CDG program is beneficial for New Yorkers in a number of ways as it is “both equitable and would promote New York’s clean energy policies.”
Of course, the Order outlined a number of membership requirements for participation in CDG projects. These requirements are as follows:
A minimum of 10 members is a requirement for each CDG facility.
Members with individual demand up to 25 kW: Small customers must make up at least 60%.
Members with individual demand in excess of 25 kW: Large customers may make up no more than 40%. This 40% may comprise larger customers or anchor tenants.
Members must take a CDG credits percentage amounting to a minimum of 1,000 kWh annually.
Members cannot take a percentage greater than their historic average annual consumption.
In addition to this range of membership requirements, the Order allows utilities the ability to prohibit CDG members from locating net-metered generation facilities on-site. Utilities also have the ability to prohibit members from receiving net metered credits from more than one CDG facility.
If you’re interested in community solar, then get in touch. YSG will assist you in finding the ideal community solar project for your unique scenario, as well as guiding you through the entire subscription process. Send us an email, or call at 212.389.9215 to get started.
YSG Solar is a project development vehicle responsible for commoditizing energy infrastructure projects. We work with long-term owners and operators to provide clean energy assets with stable, predictable cash flows. YSG's market focus is distributed generation and utility-scale projects located within North America.
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