The New York Public Service Commission on Feb. 12 pushed toward competition by approving a multi-utility pilot program for electric retail access for commercial farms and food processors, and by allowing utilities to use their flexible-rate programs to compete against economic-development power offered by the New York Power Authority (Docket 97012/94EO385).
The Dairylea farming cooperative had asked the commission to approve a pilot open to commercial farms and food processors, except those that already have flexible rate contracts. The PSC agreed. The pilot will include the following service territories: Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.; Rochester Gas & Electric; New York State Gas & Electric; and Central Hudson.
Orange & Rockland was excluded because it already has implemented its "PowerPick" pilot. The PSC said it would like the pilot to move beyond the energy-only framework, minimize stranded costs and avoid burdensome administration.