Creation of a pilot program for a district-scale geothermal system.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a pilot program for a district-scale geothermal system

This bill would require the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, to establish and oversee a pilot program for a district-scale geothermal system. This project could be developed by a third-party developer selected through a request-for-proposals (RFP) process. The bill would establish criteria for choosing a site for the pilot district and would require a geothermal system to be constructed and maintained, and require that geothermal energy be provided to participating buildings through power purchase agreements with building owners. These agreements would give ownership of geothermal system infrastructure to building owners at the conclusion of the agreement term, which could not exceed seven years. The bill would also require detailed reporting on various aspects of the pilot program, including recommendations on whether the program should be expanded.