New York Governor Issues First 1,000 MW of Statewide Energy Storage Solicitations

As part of the state’s 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap, the first RFP seeks to develop 1 GW of bulk energy storage.
July 30, 2025
3 min read

New York’s governor issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 1 GW of bulk energy storage this week. The RFP is the first of three to be issued.

The competitive solicitation will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Bulk Energy Storage Program.

Bulk energy storage enables the grid to capture surplus electricity during times of low demand or abundant renewable generation and discharge it when electricity is needed most.

“Today’s action is another example of New York’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our grid, ensuring the state continues to have a more affordable and reliable electricity system now and well into the future,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Safe and strategic deployment of energy storage will help drive economic development and reduce costs for New Yorkers.”

NYSERDA’s Bulk Energy Storage Program uses a new type of incentive called the Index Storage Credit (ISC), which was created under a New York Public Service Commission order. It’s similar to incentives used in other clean energy programs, like renewable energy credits for solar and wind.

The ISC gives storage project developers more predictable revenue while encouraging them to actively participate in wholesale energy and capacity markets. Projects earn ISCs based on how often their storage systems are up and ready to deliver energy when needed.

Each ISC represents one megawatt-hour of storage that is available to discharge on a given day. The more consistently a system is available, the more credits it earns.

After projects are permitted, built, and fully operational – and have passed peer review and quality checks – owners will receive monthly payments based on how well their systems perform throughout the 15- to 25-year contract period.

“NYSERDA’s Bulk Energy Storage Program provides an opportunity to more than double the current amount of energy storage that has been deployed, contracted, and awarded statewide,” said Doreen Harris, NYSERDA president and CEO. “This solicitation will further advance New York’s focus on grid reliability, peak reduction and affordability while meeting the demand for more storage to be safely installed across our state.”

The complete RFP and supporting documents are available on the NYSERDA website. NYSERDA will host a webinar on August 13 to discuss details of the solicitation, eligibility and submission requirements.

Interested entities must submit a Step One Eligibility Application by September 4. Those who qualify will be invited to submit a two-part bid proposal, with Phase One due on December 11 and Phase Two due on January 29.

As part of this solicitation, NY Green Bank (NYGB), a division of NYSERDA and a specialized investment fund focused on addressing financing gaps in New York’s clean energy and renewable infrastructure sectors, is offering financing support to energy storage developers and investors. Interested parties can apply for funding through NYGB RFP No. 1.

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