Greater Rochester Chamber urges action after NYISO reports reveal concerns about New York’s energy reliability and affordability

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce issued a statement today addressing the findings of the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) newly released energy planning studies, warning that New York must take immediate action to protect energy reliability and affordability for residents and businesses across the state.

The response, delivered on behalf of Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy, follows the release of NYISO’s Short-Term Assessment of Reliability (STAR) and its 2025–2034 Comprehensive Reliability Plan (CRP)—two major reports outlining the challenges and risks facing New York’s power grid over the next decade.

“NYISO’s latest reports confirms what Greater Rochester Chamber has long warned: we must act to ensure our businesses and our residents can access reliable and affordable energy to power their lives. The report raises serious concerns about the stability of our state’s grid, which must be addressed in order to support the jobs and investment that will help us achieve our regional economic goals,” Duffy said.

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The NYISO, an independent nonprofit responsible for managing the state’s electricity grid and wholesale energy markets, publishes these planning studies to evaluate the grid’s current condition and identify areas where investment or reform is needed. The 2025–2034 report highlights a growing concern across the state: as electricity demand increases and older infrastructure continues to age, maintaining reliable and affordable energy is becoming increasingly difficult.

Duffy’s statement reflects that urgency. He pointed to the strain on both consumers and the energy system, emphasizing how the dual challenges of reliability and affordability are deeply intertwined. “The findings underscore how aging infrastructure and rising demand strain the grid and consumers’ wallets. It also further highlights how the two affect each other: without reliability, affordability cannot be sustained and costs will continue to rise. And the impact of reliability and affordability is felt most acutely in Upstate communities facing harsh winter conditions.”

Those concerns are especially relevant for the Greater Rochester region and other Upstate areas, where cold-weather months drive up heating needs and put added stress on the power grid. Energy costs in these communities can rise sharply during peak usage periods, and any instability in the grid can quickly turn into a regional economic problem.

In his remarks, Duffy voiced support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which emphasizes maintaining a balance between renewable energy sources and traditional power generation. “This is why I support Governor Hochul’s ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy. Balancing natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power is critical to keep the grid strong and prices stable for all New Yorkers. A balanced, diversified energy system is not a choice — it’s essential to ensuring reliability, affordability, and long-term economic growth across New York State.”

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The Chamber’s statement underscores a key message: achieving New York’s clean energy and economic goals will depend on maintaining a dependable and resilient grid. As the state continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure, regional leaders are urging policymakers not to overlook the importance of existing energy resources that help stabilize supply during times of high demand.

With New York’s grid entering a period of significant transition—marked by the retirement of older power plants, growing electrification, and the integration of new renewable sources—the Chamber’s call for balance reflects a broader concern among business and community leaders. Without reliable and affordable energy, the economic progress of Upstate regions could face new obstacles.

The full NYISO reports, which detail both near-term reliability risks and long-term planning strategies for 2025 through 2034, are available to the public online. The Greater Rochester Chamber’s response reinforces its ongoing commitment to advocating for policies that protect energy security, economic stability, and sustainable growth across the region.