New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

System Benefits Charge Achievements

The System Benefits Charge is a surcharge that is added to customers’ electricity bills in New York State. The revenue raised by the surcharge is used to fund programs for energy efficiency, low-income assistance, and research and development. Most of the programs are administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (ERDA). We audited the program achievements reported by ERDA, and in particular, the energy savings that have been claimed. We found that the achievements were well documented, verifiable and based on data that had already been independently verified. We recommended that certain actions be taken by ERDA to further improve its administration of the programs and its reporting of program achievements.

For a complete copy of Report 2008-S-92 click here.
For a copy of the 90-day response click here.