AP file photo Despite numerous renewable projects throughout New York state, wind and solar continue to barely be a factor on the state grid.

Gusty conditions on a December evening in 2021 had some in New York state charged up. Wind speeds hovered around 54 mph from late afternoon to later that night while also wreaking havoc with the nationally televised New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills game in Orchard Park.

Less than 24 hours later, officials across the border were practically giddy to report that during the 10 p.m. hour Dec. 6, 1,808 MW of wind power was output on the state grid. That portion equated to 11% of the energy being consumed. Also touted in the announcement was the newly operational Cassadaga Wind, a 126.5 MW electrical facility with 37 turbines.

“This is a significant milestone and represents hard work and planning by stakeholders across government and the energy industry,” said Rich Dewey, president and chief executive officer of the New York Independent System Operator. “It is also a reminder of the rapid change impacting the bulk electric system and the need to carefully manage this transition. Timely development of new energy resources is critical to meeting the state’s renewable investment and decarbonization mandates while maintaining reliability.”

Less than two years later, that comment appears to be a lot of hot air.

Over a four-year period — dating back to July 2019 that includes an abundance of growth in wind turbines and solar farms — fossil fuels and natural gas remain king when it comes to the electricity mix in the Empire State. During one of the last heat waves of the summer on Wednesday, the New York Independent System Operator dashboard’s figures were similar to 2019.

Wind’s contribution was but a whisper at 0.5%. Solar was a bit better — on a sun-splashed day — at 1.5%. Nuclear made up 8%; hydropower was at 20% while natural gas is 26% and dual fuels — specifically coal — remain around 44%.

What were the 2019 readings during a July heat wave? Fossil fuels, nuclear and natural gas made up 82% of the state’s mix. Hydropower was 16%, while wind and solar made up the remaining 2%.

With all the investment and promotion by the state, many would think the contribution of solar and wind would be more than 2%. Even though they are not, higher rates for electricity are becoming a burden for users. A portion of this dilemma could be chalked up to inflation while other scenarios come from bad decisions.

Pennsylvania’s mix is similar to its neighbors. In 2021, natural gas accounted for 53% of the supply, nuclear was 31% and coal at 13% made up 97% of the fuels for electricity. Wind, solar and hydropower accounted for only 3%.

One study found commonwealth rated 45th out of 50 state in its use of renewables for its power grid. It is nowhere near close to the goal set by previous Gov. Tom Wolf in the 2021 Climate Action Plan.

“In 2019, I set the first ever statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: 26 percent lower by 2025 and 80 percent lower by 2050, compared to 2005, which is the standard baseline,” Wolf said in the plan. I’ve charted a course for Pennsylvania to join 10 Northeast states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the cap-and-invest program that reduces carbon dioxide emissions from electric power plants. Revenue from carbon allowance auctions will be targeted to traditional energy-based communities and Environmental Justice areas across Pennsylvania and to further reduce carbon emissions statewide.”

Pennsylvania, of course, is one of the leading power producers in the nation behind only Texas and Florida. Shifting to renewables will not be an easy transition.

Just look at New York state, which is far more aggressive than here, but seeing little results.

John D’Agostino is editor of the Times Observer, The Post-Journal and OBSERVER in Dunkirk, N.Y. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 814-723-8200, ext. 253.