NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced the kickoff of the Nuclear Reliability Backbone process by the Public Service Commission (Commission).
This follows the Governor’s directive in her 2026 State of the State for the Department of Public Service to build a pathway to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear power on top of the at least 1 gigawatt in new nuclear that she called upon the New York Power Authority in 2025 to develop and construct.
Today’s action marks the start of a full examination of ways to bring new advanced nuclear power online in a timely, cost-effective manner. The Nuclear Reliability Backbone initiative is intended to ensure New York maintains a reliable supply of zero-emission electricity while advancing affordability in the State’s clean energy goals.
“Advanced nuclear is one of the best available options to provide both relief to consumers and strengthen the resilience of New York’s grid with round-the-clock emission-free energy,” Governor Hochul said.
“Additional nuclear supply reinforces my vision for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes renewables and other forms of energy to help keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers.”
“A robust fleet of nuclear energy has provided New York with reliable and zero-emission electricity, supporting more than half a century of progress and development across the state. This comprehensive effort builds on multiple workstreams and is rooted in extensive analysis. This analysis revealed that preserving the contributions of existing nuclear resources while expanding the capacity of additional nuclear supply can support the state’s affordability, reliability and clean energy objectives,” said Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian.
“Today’s Order advances Governor Hochul’s vision for a Nuclear Backbone and builds on the strong analytical foundation established through the State Energy Plan, which identified nuclear energy as an important part of a diverse energy mix. As New York works to realize the role of advanced nuclear technologies in supporting a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future, NYSERDA will continue working closely with DPS to further the mechanisms within the Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper and forthcoming Master Plan for Responsible Development of Advanced Nuclear Energy to help inform the State’s path forward,” New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris.
“Advanced nuclear will provide the reliable, emission-free power New York needs to enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth. The Commission’s action today will help to facilitate a clear and cost-effective pathway for integrating new nuclear resources into the state’s energy future and builds on the Power Authority’s efforts to advance New York’s first new nuclear energy development in decades,” said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll.
