Case Overview:

New York City is home to over 400,000 residents living in public housing managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). These buildings suffer from outdated energy infrastructure, high utility costs, and unreliable heating and cooling systems, disproportionately impacting low-income residents. While NYC has committed to transitioning to 100% clean electricity by 2040, public housing lags behind in clean energy access, often because private energy companies, real estate developers, and business interests shape the policy landscape.

Public policy plays a critical role in addressing energy justice and ensuring a fair transition that includes low-income communities. However, conflicting priorities exist between the city, state, federal agencies, and the private sector. Some businesses and policymakers support public-private partnerships to fund clean energy, while others argue that government intervention is needed to prevent corporate profit-seeking at the expense of residents.

This case study asks students to evaluate the role of business, public policy, and industry in NYCHA’s clean energy crisis while developing a balanced policy solution that ensures affordable, clean energy for public housing residents.