A Local Law in relation to requiring the office of long-term planning and sustainability to report on the feasibility of microgrids within the city of New York

Int. No. 1567

By Council Members Espinal, Constantinides and Gentile

A Local Law in relation to requiring the office of long-term planning and sustainability to report on the feasibility of microgrids within the city of New York

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Definitions.  For the purposes of this local law, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 

Area of special flood hazard. The term “area of special flood hazard” has the same meaning as set forth in section BC G201.2 of the New York city building code.

Critical facility.  The term “critical facility” means hospitals, nursing homes, police stations, sewage treatment plants, public shelters, correctional facilities, and any other building or group of buildings identified by the office of long-term planning and sustainability. 

Microgrid. The term “microgrid” means a local energy grid, which can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously.

§ 2.  By no later than January 1, 2018, the office of long-term planning and sustainability shall prepare and file with the mayor and council, and post on its website, a report analyzing the feasibility of utilizing microgrids in the city of New York. Such study shall include, but need not be limited to: 

a.                      a map of:

1.                     critical facilities in the city of New York; and

2.                     areas of the city that may be appropriate for the installation of microgrids, including but not limited to areas with a large number of critical facilities; flood-prone areas, including but not limited to areas of special flood hazard; and areas that are prone to blackouts or brownouts.

b.                      a summary of applicable laws, rules and regulations concerning the installation and operation of microgrids in the city of New York;

c.                      a description of practical impediments, if any, to the development, installation and operation of microgrids in the city of New York;

d.                     a list of existing technical standards and/or guidelines, if any, for microgrid installations in the city of New York; and

e.                     the feasibility of issuing grants and loans to encourage the installation of microgrids  in the city of New York.

                           § 3. This local law takes effect immediately.

LS # 9951

JCH

3/1/17 11:15 AM