NYPA in Western New York

The people of Western New York have a reputation for working hard.  So it’s fitting that as a Western New York business, we do our part to keep the economy humming too. Thanks to the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project, New York’s largest generating facility, we produce some of the nation’s least expensive electricity, which benefits area residents and businesses. In addition to our inexpensive electricity, we play a vital role in energizing Western New York through our energy conservation programs, commitment to the environment and community involvement.  The issuance of a new federal operating license for the Niagara Project, which took effect September 1, 2007, ensures the continuation of benefits to the region for another 50 years.

Economic Development and Jobs

Niagara power is the linchpin of our efforts to create and protect jobs in Western New York. By providing this inexpensive electricity, our Niagara project has saved New York residents and companies hundreds of millions of dollars a year in electricity costs. In return for this low-cost power, businesses commit to protect and create jobs. Thousands of Western New Yorkers at work at some 120 companies benefit from electricity supplied from all NYPA sources. (Learn more about our economic development programs.)

Energy Efficiency

NYPA energy-efficiency improvements at Western New York schools and other public buildings have lowered energy costs by $3.7 million a year and saved taxpayers millions of dollars a year while improving air quality.

Current Examples:

• A close to $5 million window replacement at SUNY Buffalo’s Governors Residence Hall;

• A comprehensive $48.5 million program for Williamsville schools to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning, replace boilers and chillers and install high-efficiency lighting. The ambitious, 13-school program is projected to save more than $550,000 a year.

Earlier projects have ranged from installing high-efficiency lighting in the Lewiston-Porter Central School District to replacing polluting coal furnaces at Buffalo public schools with clean, modern gas- or oil-fueled equipment. 

In 2002, the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal invited NYPA to expand its successful energy-efficient refrigerator program statewide. First in line for the program was the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, which offered its tenants the chance to participate voluntarily. More than 1,800 apartment dwellers traded in their older, less-efficient refrigerators for newer models, owned by the housing authority. (Learn more about our energy-efficiency programs.)

New Technologies

A NYPA-installed solar photovoltaic system atop the Buffalo Museum of Science is among nearly a score of similar Power Authority projects that are leading New York into an age of solar-generated electricity. NYPA is also a national leader in demonstrating practical uses of fuel cell power plants, which produce electricity without combustion, and clean, electric-drive vehicles.  We also installed two microturbines at the Lewiston Water Pollution Control Facility. In line with the state's Executive Order 111, which established energy efficiency and renewable energy goals for state buildings and vehicles, the micro-turbines are fueled, in part, by anaerobic digester gas, a ‘free fuel’ produced through sewage treatment.  (Learn more about our new technology and clean transportation initiatives.)

Community Involvement

Some of the area’s leading attractions—Artpark, first-rate fishing facilities and hiking trails and public recreational improvements near the Niagara Falls High School—are legacies of the Power Authority’s half-century commitment to the community. We sponsor many community events and our Niagara Project’s admission-free Power Vista—an excellent learning resource for school children and other guests—hosts about 80,000 people annually. Check our web calendar for community events near you.

NYPA in:

• The community

• Western New York

• Central New York

• Northern New York

• Downstate New York

Read Western New York Update, our community newsletter covering NYPA activities in the region.

News:

October 20, 2008 - New York Power Authority Set to Host Halloween Event

October 16, 2008 - Applications to be Accepted for Greenway Projects in Erie County

September 9, 2008 - Wildlife Festival Returns to the Niagara Power Project's Power Vista With New Attractions, Sept. 27 and 28 (includes photo and caption)

August 13, 2008 - NYPA Announces Winners of Scholarships for Tuscarora Nation Funded Through Relicensing of Niagara Project (Includes Photo and caption)

July 29, 2008 - Power Authority Fishing Pier Temporarily Closed

June 26, 2008 - Governor Paterson Announces Hydropower Allocations to Three Western New York Businesses (Governor's press release)

June 26, 2008 - Niagara Power Project to Play Host to Art Exhibit Featuring County Residents

May 20, 2008- Three Niagara Falls Manufacturers Receive Low-Cost Niagara Hydropower Allocations for 139 New Jobs and Nearly $20 Million in Capital Investment

May 1, 2008 - Hydro Allocations to Support Creation of 110 New Jobs in Western New York

April 27, 2008 - Power Project to Celebrate Earth Day at Niagara Project Visitors Center

March 27, 2008 - Power Authority to Reopen Niagara Fishing Pier

March 31, 2008 - Polly king Paintings on Display at Niagara Power Project

March 27, 2008 - Power Authority to Reopen Niagara Fishing Pier

March 24, 2008 - NYPA Marking 50th Anniversary of Niagara Construction Start (includes photos and captions)

February 26, 2008 - N.Y. Power Authority Trustees Approve Low-Cost Hydropower Allocation for Printing Company in Niagara County

February 14, 2008 - Computers From Power Authority Aid Packard Court School Programs

January 29, 2008 - NYPA's Power Vista Will Play Host to 'Cabin Fever' Programs

January 25, 2008 - Multi-Year Maintenance Project Starts on Water Intake Structures for Niagara Power Project

January 18, 2008 - First Greenway Dollars Awarded: State Parks Standing Committee funds restoration projects (Joint press release with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-Western District Niagara Falls, NY )

January 17, 2008  - Niagara Power Project Visitors Center Adds High-Tech Teaching Tools (includes photo and caption)

December 6, 2007 - NYPA Establishes Fund to Improve Falls Street Tunnel

November 13, 2007 - Niagara Power Project's Visitors Center Will Play Host to Admission-Free Holiday Event

September 14, 2007 - NYPA President Kelley Cites Benefits of Niagara Power to Businesses (excerpts from remarks)

September 6, 2007 - New 50-year License for Niagara Power Project, Now Effective, Signifies Substantial New Benefits for Region

August 7, 2007 - State Office of Parks and New York Power Authority Announce Funding for Niagara River Greenway Commission (Jointly issued by NYPA and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation)