New York Risks Falling Behind As Grid Upgrades Stall

As the 2026 legislative session adjourns, vital transmission legislation runs out of time. 

ALBANY, NY – Last night, the New York State Assembly adjourned its 2026 session without passing Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) legislation that would have required utilities to evaluate modern grid technologies capable of expanding transmission capacity faster and at lower cost. Across the country, states are increasingly adopting these technologies to address rising electricity demand, worsening congestion, and growing reliability concerns.

“New York had a prime opportunity to be a national energy leader,” said Kristina Persaud, Senior Principal at Advanced Energy United. “Red states and blue states alike are adopting advanced transmission technologies as common-sense tools, and we look forward to working with the legislature to prioritize this when they reconvene.” 

The failure to advance the legislation comes as New York’s grid faces mounting pressure from aging infrastructure and rising electricity demand. Advanced transmission technologies are widely viewed as one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to relieve grid congestion and unlock additional capacity using infrastructure already in the ground.

“We now have a tight timeline to catch up with other states making these fast-tracked upgrades,” added Persaud. “Even states with very different political environments are recognizing that these technologies can improve reliability and reduce costs.”