New York launches first bulk energy storage RFP to advance 6 GW roadmap
Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSERDA open competitive solicitation for 1 GW of bulk energy storage projects, aiming to boost grid reliability, cut costs, and integrate new safety codes ahead of 2026
State incentives will be the solar and storage industries best path forward during the Trump years. New York has officially opened its first Bulk Energy Storage Request for Proposals (RFP), a competitive solicitation to procure 1 gigawatt (GW) of large-scale energy storage as part of the state’s 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the program will “help drive economic development and reduce costs for New Yorkers,” while also fortifying the state’s electric grid against demand spikes and extreme weather. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will administer the solicitation under its Bulk Energy Storage Program, targeting technologies that improve peak reduction, grid reliability, and affordability.
This RFP is the first of three planned bulk storage solicitations, which together aim to contract 3 GW — more than doubling New York’s currently deployed, contracted, and awarded storage capacity.
“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 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “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 initiative debuts ahead of the January 1, 2026 effective date for newly adopted energy storage safety codes, integrating recommendations from the New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group. NYSERDA has already built these standards into its residential, retail, and bulk programs, requiring first responder training and comprehensive emergency plans for all projects.
The procurement will occur in two steps:
- Step One eligibility applications are due September 4, 2025.
- Eligible proposers will then be invited to submit Step Two bid proposals.
Index Storage Credit
Projects will be supported through the Index Storage Credit (ISC), a market-based incentive modeled after Renewable Energy Certificates and Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Credits, established in the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) Order. ISCs will reward operational availability over 15–25-year contracts, with payment contingent on meeting permitting, installation, and peer review milestones.
To help advance projects, the NY Green Bank is offering financing options to developers and investors. NYSERDA’s siting team will also provide communities with technical assistance and model local laws to ensure responsible development.
