Overview
On February 5th, 2025, at WSP USA in New York City, 80 public and private leaders convened for The Carbon League (TCL)’s Urban Energy Storage for NYC Buildings roundtable. Organized by the TCL New York 24Q3 Grid Modernization Task Force and in partnership with NY-BEST, this roundtable aimed to address permitting and financing challenges for energy storage deployment in NYC buildings, enhance collaboration among key stakeholders, and outline a 90-day sprint to drive actionable outcomes. Discussions centered on expediting permitting processes, securing financing for medium-sized energy storage systems (ESS), and aligning local policy with ambitious climate goals.
H.G. Chissell (The Carbon League, Advanced Energy Group), Claudia Villar-Leeman (NY-BEST), and David Sandbank (NYSERDA) and William Acker (NY-BEST) provided opening remarks, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on overcoming regulatory and financial obstacles to urban energy storage for NYC buildings.
Following these remarks, attendees engaged with presentations covering key areas: Policy & Regulation, Utility Perspectives, Financing Mechanisms, and Permitting Barriers. Lydia Wiener (MOCEJ) and Daniella Leifer (Sustainable CUNY) outlined the role of energy storage in meeting NYC’s climate targets, emphasizing the need for clear and transparent permitting pathways. Wiener detailed how energy storage can enhance grid reliability and reduce peak demand, while Leifer discussed Sustainable CUNY’s initiatives to support distributed energy resources. Yash Patel (FDNY) addressed fire safety and compliance measures for battery storage installations, stressing the importance of updated regulatory frameworks. Alan Price (NYC DOB) provided insights into the evolving permitting landscape, advocating for standardized processes to reduce project delays. Steven Hong (NYC DOB) emphasized the role of data-driven decision-making in optimizing zoning and safety compliance for storage deployments. The session included two panel discussions: “Opportunities and Financial Rationale for NYC Buildings”, moderated by Gina Bocra (WSP USA), and “Opportunities to Streamline Permitting”, moderated by Jamin Bennett, Sunkeeper Solar.
The roundtable concluded with a breakout session in which participants identified critical next steps to address permitting and financing barriers. The following 90-day sprints were agreed upon:
Regarding permitting, the next 90 day deliverable is: to create a public checklist that AHJs will use to review TM2, TM1, OTCR 2, DOB applications
Regarding financing, the next 90 day deliverable is: to create a heat map of the most advantageous areas for a 250KW ESS.
Original Critical Obstacle and first 90-day sprint, formed at the July 27th AEG NY 24Q3 Stakeholder Challenge on Grid modernization. The February 5th Roundtable marks the completion of the Task Force’s first 90-day sprint.
28 leaders volunteered to join the Task Force subgroups who will complete the above 90-day sprints.
Financing Subgroup Task Force Volunteers: Ryan Pascucci, Accord Power Inc., Kaveh Aflaki, IEMS Solution, Andrea Lee, NY Green Bank, Jessie LaMasse, NY Green Bank, Bill Grinstead, Orenda Power, Brett Miller, Generac Power Systems, Marc Zuluaga, Cadence OneFive, Roberto Rodriguez Battistoni, The Carbon League
Permitting Subgroup Task Force Volunteers: Claudia Villar-Leeman, NY-BEST, Barbara Stickel, Altanova, Richard Sturtevant, NY-BEST, Carly Dupuis, NY-BEST, Lydia Wiener, NYC MOCEJ, Daniella Leifer, Sustainable CUNY, Timothy Vlangas, Earthkind Energy Consulting, Sam Jung, NYCEDC, Jamin Bennett, Sunkeeper Solar Electric LLC, Jesse Weiss, NYCEDC, Alan Price, NYC DOB/OCTR, John Humphrey, Accord Power Inc., Sam Winslow, Alsym Energy, Noah Ginsburg, New York Solar Energy Industries Association, Steven Hong, NYC DOB, Lauren Block, Fram Energy, John Petinos, NYSERDA, Michael Bowes, Energy Safety Response Group, Bill Oberkehr, NYSERDA, Bobby Sciortino, NineDot Energy, Akan Ntori, Columbia University
5 KEY THEMES
1. Regulatory Bottlenecks & Permitting Challenges
NYC’s permitting process for medium-sized energy storage systems (20-250 kWh) remains complex and fragmented, leading to significant project delays. A centralized framework with standardized procedures across agencies would help mitigate inefficiencies and create a clearer pathway for project approval.
“The permitting process needs to be simplified and streamlined. Reducing unnecessary hurdles will encourage broader adoption.” – Alan Price, NYC DOB
2. Financing Gaps & Incentive Structures
Existing incentives do not fully capture the value stack of battery storage, making financing difficult, particularly for smaller installations. Developing a more comprehensive incentive structure that includes benefits such as peak demand reduction and resilience credits could help increase investment in urban energy storage.
“To drive deployment, we must align financial incentives with storage's true benefits, including peak shaving and resiliency.”– Daniella Leifer, Sustainable CUNY
3. Grid Integration & Utility Coordination
Storage projects face interconnection challenges due to outdated grid infrastructure and lengthy review timelines by utilities. Improved coordination between utilities and regulatory agencies, along with grid modernization efforts, is necessary to ensure that energy storage can be deployed at scale without exacerbating congestion issues.
“A well-coordinated effort between agencies and utilities is necessary to ensure storage can be seamlessly integrated into the urban grid.” – Yash Patel, FDNY
4. Stakeholder Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
The need for an interagency working group was emphasized to improve communication among permitting authorities, developers, and utilities. By fostering a culture of transparency and shared expertise, stakeholders can accelerate decision-making and reduce unnecessary roadblocks to deployment.
“A well-structured stakeholder collaboration model will break down silos and speed up decision-making.” – Steven Hong, NYC DOB
5. Data-Driven Decision Making & Mapping Tools
Identifying optimal storage deployment sites using data analytics can accelerate adoption and target investment where it has the greatest impact. Integrating GIS mapping tools and energy burden data can help prioritize projects that will have the highest value for grid reliability and community resilience.
“We should leverage data to highlight priority sites and guide permitting decisions.” – Lydia Wiener, MOCEJ
Conclusion
The Urban Energy Storage Task Force Roundtable brought together key stakeholders to address systemic challenges in deploying energy storage in NYC buildings. By committing to a 90-day sprint focused on permitting streamlining, financing mechanisms, and interagency coordination, participants aim to accelerate project timelines and unlock new opportunities for clean energy deployment. As the task force continues its work, these collective efforts will be instrumental in ensuring NYC meets its ambitious storage and climate goals, while fostering a more resilient and sustainable urban energy system.
For the list of participating stakeholders who are aligned on tackling this critical obstacle and next 90 day sprint, please visit here.
Other proposed 90-Day Sprints for permitting and financing subgroups included:
