New York is jump-starting a new program to bring clean, renewable energy to New York City’s electrical grid. The program—called “Tier 4” under the state’s Clean Energy Standard—supports new transmission to deliver clean power directly to the five boroughs. Just-announced awards to Clean Path NY and Champlain Hudson Power Express will add 18 million MWh of much-needed renewable energy per year to NYC, eventually contributing to LL97 REC availability.
Developers of these winning proposals presented the details about their projects, including how electricity will be generated and transmitted to New York City, the construction timeline and the expected environmental, community and economic benefits.
Published October 27, 2021
Chris Halfnight
Chief Executive Officer
Chris is the CEO of Urban Green Council, where he leads the organization’s work to advance energy efficiency and building decarbonization in New York City, New York State and beyond. Before becoming CEO, he spent a decade at Urban Green, most recently as Senior Director of Research and Policy, directing data analysis, clean tech research, policy development, and advocacy at the city and state levels. Chris has served on many advisory bodies, including as a mayoral appointee to NYC’s 26-member Sustainability Advisory Board and Mayor Mamdani’s transition committee on climate. Earlier in his career, he practiced law at Shearman & Sterling LLP and worked on clean energy policy at the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. He holds a B.A. and J.D. from McGill University and a Master of Environmental Management, with a specialization in energy systems, from the Yale School of the Environment.
Phil Toia
President, NYPA Development, New York Power Authority
Clean Path NY
Phil Toia is President of NYPA Development at the New York Power Authority. Created in 2021, NYPA Development is tasked with helping NYPA achieve goals in its VISION2030 strategic plan by becoming a leading developer of transmission projects in New York State and working on large-scale renewables and utility-scale storage projects.
Luke Falk
Vice President, EnergyRE
Clean Path NY
Luke Falk is a Senior Vice President of energyRe responsible for the development of Clean Path NY. energyRe is an independent New York company focused on solving complex challenges and providing clean energy solutions. The team at energyRe has expertise in infrastructure, engineering, and real estate.
Shashank Sane
Executive Vice President of Transmission Development, Invenergy
Clean Path NY
Shashank Sane is currently the SVP, Head of Transmission at Invenergy. Shashank leads Invenergy’s Edge business, which helps facility and fleet owners lower costs, enhance sustainability, and increase resiliency through on-site and market-integrated turnkey solutions. Previously, Shashank led Invenergy’s Corporate Development team where he executed on value accretive M&A transactions and identified new business opportunities for Invenergy.
Don Jessome
President and CEO, Transmission Developers
Champlain Hudson Power Express
Don is the CEO of TDI New England, a Blackstone portfolio company currently developing the New England Clean Power Link (NECPL) in Vermont. NECPL is a 1,000MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) buried cable transmission project that will connect Canadian hydro and wind resources with the New England marketplace.
David Rheaume
Senior Director, Development, Strategy and Commercial Relations Outside Québec, Hydro-Québec
Champlain Hudson Power Express