Andrew Cuomo, the New York attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor, published an energy plan that suggests increased production of solar and wind energy.  The document, titled “Power NY,” suggests New York adopt an SREC program similar to those that have been so successful in other states such as New Jersey. It declares, “A programmatic commitment to solar power would go a long way toward stimulating the growing solar industry in New York.” Cuomo sites that significant economic growth experienced by California and Arizona upon making commitments to promote expansion of solar power within the states. Both states saw global solar manufacturers locate headquarters within their boarders (China’s Suntech Corp. in Arizona, and SunPower Corp. in California).

The candidate’s plan would create a system of solar renewable energy credits called NY-Sun. The Renewable Portfolio Standard of the state would include a solar carve-out, making utilities purchase SRECs to meet their solar requirement or suffer a compliance fine. He argues that the state should establish specific targets for the adoption of solar energy generation that utilities and electric service companies would have to meet, with the requirements to be suspended if solar costs do not drop to the extent expected.

Mr. Cuomo is the first candidate in the race for Governor to release an energy plan. The length and centrality of the document to the campaign indicates the importance of the worldwide energy transformation in the future of New York.

See the article on the Gubernatorial Candidate’s solar and SREC plan for more information.