Kathy Hochul may be facing NY energy challenges but does not appear to have a solution

Gov. Hochul may have finally awoken to the state’s impending energy crisis.

It’s unfortunate that she is unsure of how to address it.

Her recent energy summit was supposed to address the reality that New York will struggle to meet its renewable energy goals without a solid plan in place.

Above all, the governor refuses to acknowledge that the climate laws set by the state and city were unrealistic and impractical.

The goals: Achieve 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and reach zero net greenhouse-gas emissions by 2040.

In the city, new emissions limits for buildings aim to reduce greenhouse gas output by 40% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

The issue at hand?

The current plan involves shutting down fossil fuel power plants without a viable alternative to replace the energy they produce, along with meeting the state’s growing electricity needs.

The plan also requires changes that will increase the demand for more energy, such as building electrification and a shift to electric vehicles.

New York is already experiencing energy shortages.

As summer approached, a report from the New York Independent System Operator warned of “reliability risks.””

The state is facing a “renewable energy deficit” of 42,000 gigawatt-hours, well below the capacity needed to meet the 70% goal by 2030. Most of New York’s current renewable energy comes from hydropower, with limited room for growth.

Experts and common sense suggest that meeting the targets with just wind and solar energy is unrealistic.

Even the state Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, has criticized the plan for its failure to fully assess risks, meet targets, and accurately project costs.

New Yorkers are already feeling the impact, with utility bills rising by up to 40% in some areas since the plan’s implementation.

The eventual cost and the risk of blackouts are only the beginning of the challenges.

Concerns have been raised by New Yorkers for Affordable Reliable Energy about the ability to convert buildings to electric without a guarantee of sufficient electricity, especially during the coldest winter months which could lead to fatal consequences.

Hochul still intends to follow the plan, although the summit suggests a possible shift towards relying more on nuclear energy to meet her objectives.

The governor attributes her challenges to “the global pandemic, supply chain issues, and increasing energy demands” and is looking to reassess the issue while reiterating commitment to the clean energy transition.

Recognizing a problem is the first step towards a solution, but Hochul currently seems to be in denial.

To avert a crisis, Hochul should consider suspending the mandates of these laws until all the gaps are addressed— a process that may take decades.