New York State Energy Emergency Plan

New York State Energy Emergency Plan

The availability of adequate and reliable energy resources plays a vital role in the economic activities and general well-being of New Yorkers. Recognizing this, the State Legislature under the State Energy Law in 1976, authorized the preparation of a New York State Energy Emergency Plan [PDF] to serve as an “integrated resource plan specifying actions to be taken in the event of the declaration by the Governor of an energy or fuel supply emergency.” An energy emergency is defined as a significant fuel supply shortage relative to demand or a significant price escalation sufficient to result in a general threat to the health and welfare of the State’s citizens and the economy of the State or a region. The principal objectives of the Energy Emergency Plan are to: protect public health, safety, and welfare; minimize economic disruption; and, direct scarce energy supplies in an equitable manner among competing essential purposes.

The Energy Emergency Plan, updated on an annual basis, has been developed in accordance with certain planning guidelines that aim to: provide the flexibility required to meet a broad range of supply disruptions that may have materially different consequences; incorporate and, if necessary, supplement private sector emergency planning efforts, such as the emergency operating plans of local electric distribution companies in the State; rely to the maximum extent practicable on voluntary rather than mandatory strategies; include detailed strategies and options that respond to a broad range of information needs; and, develop New York State's emergency response options in light of federal strategies and energy industry practices.