BILL NUMBER:  S7704

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to
distribution utility


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
To expand the definition of distribution utility to include a rural
electric cooperative, thereby allowing them to participate in the
Green Jobs Green New York program established in 2009 and administered
by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) with a goal of making 1,000,000 homes, businesses, and
not-for-profits in New York more energy efficient while creating
thousands of new green jobs and training the workers to fill them.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

Section 1.

Amends the definition of distribution utility to include rural
electric cooperative.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

 JUSTIFICATION :
              

Green Jobs-Green New York promotes the widespread dissemination of
energy conservation and clean energy technologies, providing a clear
and cost effective pathway for communities in New York State to
curtail emissions of greenhouse gases and harmful air contaminants,
reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower housing costs, support
community development and create green jobs to sustain and enhance our
economy.

Rural Electric Cooperatives were established in the early 1940's to
provide electric service to rural areas. They serve over 70,000 New
York residents and businesses throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua,
Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie and
Steuben Counties.

Currently, this legislation provides competitive grants for outreach,
enrollment and related services to implement this program. Eligible
entities include distribution utilities, which as currently defined
under the Green Jobs Statute does not include Rural Electric
Cooperatives. This legislation merely adds rural electric cooperatives
to the definition of distribution facility.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
2010: New

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.