On April 20th, NYSEIA and the Alliance for Clean Energy NY (ACE NY) submitted comments in response to the Joint Utilities (JU) Proposal Regarding Review, Approval, and Installation of Meter Socket Adapters. 

The JU Proposal would require manufacturers to obtain approval to be on the DPS approved MSA register, but would not eliminate the requirement for separate, independent utility review and approval. Following DPS approval, the JU proposes an initial fit test. If the MSA passes the initial evaluation the utility may conduct additional testing which could take a year or more.

ACE NY and NYSEIA take the position that MSAs are an important tool to lower the cost of residential clean energy upgrades that are being deployed widely and safely across North America, including in neighboring states. We support the thorough safety evaluation of new MSAs, however, vetting can be achieved efficiently by leveraging certifications from Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories without requiring MSA manufacturers to navigate the lengthy, utility-specific testing and review. 

ACE NY and NYSEIA make several comments and recommendations in response to the JU Proposal:

• Recommend the Commission utilize an approval framework for MSAs similar to New York’s existing inverter approval process

• Support limiting utility liability of harm from MSA installations

• Support creation and maintenance of a single statewide approved equipment list for MSAs

• Request the JU to define compatibility differences and cost concerns

• Recommend the Commission  direct utilities to approve the use of MSAs that meet established safety criteria and standards

• Make additional recommendations on interactions with advanced metering infrastructure

Click “READ MORE” to view the full comments.