New York Bill Seeks to Boost Solar Power and Cut Electricity Costs

On October 16th, 2025, lawmakers in New York are proposing a bill that could significantly boost solar energy adoption and potentially help alleviate the state's rising electricity costs. The Solar Up Now New York Act, or Senate Bill S8512, was recently introduced and aims to exempt small balcony solar, or plug-in solar, from interconnection and net metering requirements.

This proposed legislation could make it much easier for renters and others without rooftop access to install solar power and generate their own electricity. The act's primary goals are to increase energy independence and affordability for more New Yorkers, as well as reduce demand on the electric grid. If successful, this could ultimately lead to lower energy costs across the state.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, New York residents were paying an average of 26.18 cents per kilowatt-hour in July 2025, about 9 cents higher than the national average. New York State Senator Liz Krueger, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of providing more New Yorkers access to the benefits of solar power.

"Plug-in solar is a powerful tool to deliver enhanced energy independence and affordability to millions of New Yorkers who are currently shut out of the solar economy," said Krueger. The senator added that mass adoption of plug-in solar could also reduce demand on the grid, saving all ratepayers money by avoiding the need for costly grid upgrades.