Earlier this week, Harris Beach Energy Industry Team Leader Bill Flynn was a panelist for a session on the 25th anniversary of competitive energy markets in New York at the Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY) Clean Energy Spring Conference. The Albany Times Union covered the event, including thoughts from Bill and other key players in New York State’s energy industry.
Since the inception of competitive energy markets, New York has effectively reduced emissions and lowered consumer costs. There are critics who reason that going back to utility-owned generation would allow for the quicker adoption of renewables as well as lower consumer costs. However, utility-owned generation lacks the competitive pressure necessary to adopt new renewable technologies, hampers innovation, and results in higher costs for consumers. The competitive system is refined by the NYISO each year through projects to ensure that market signals ensure the least cost resources run while maintaining system reliability. Bill’s panel looked at how far New York’s energy markets have come since the establishment of the New York Independent System Operator and how these markets can continue to be enhanced as New York works toward meeting its climate mandates.
The panel was moderated by Gavin J. Donohue, President and CEO, IPPNY and Bill was joined on the panel by Willie L. Phillips, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Pat Wood, III, CEO, Hunt Energy Network; and Suedeen G. Kelly, Partner, Jenner & Block.
