New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was established by 1975 law as a public benefit corporation. NYSERDA funds research into energy supply and efficiency, as well as energy-related environmental issues, important to the well-being of New Yorkers. NYSERDA has been cited by the U.S. Department of Energy as being among the best government research organizations in North America, including others such as NASA.
Since late 1998, in cooperation with the NYS Public Service Commission, (PSC), NYSERDA has managed the New York Energy $mart program. Funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) on electric transmission, this program offers energy efficiency, research and development, low-income and environmental disclosure funding and education to assist electric consumers as the regulated electricity market moves to more open competition. NYSERDA also finances, through the sale of bonds, environmental and energy improvements for the State's energy infrastructure.