NEWS
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NYPA BLENHEIM-GILBOA
MODERNIZATION PROGRAM TO RECOMMENCE Contact: September 5, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) four-year, $135 million Life Extension and Modernization (LEM) program to modernize and extend the life of the Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project is expected to begin its third phase on Monday, Sept. 15. The first phase of the program began in Sept. 2006 and was successfully completed in May 2007; the second phase was completed during a similar timeline from Sept. 2007 to this May. “We were pleased with the results of the first two phases of the Life Extension and Modernization program,” said Lynn Hait, NYPA regional manager, Central New York. “The LEM program will ensure that the project operates at high efficiency and continues its record of reliable service for many years to come.” LEM includes the replacement of many of the major mechanical and electrical components of the project’s four pump-generating units, and maintenance and repairs to virtually all other parts. The schedule calls for the Power Authority to commence work on the third pump-generator in mid-September, with the unit slated to return to service by June 2009. The work on the fourth pump generating unit will be undertaken in the same manner beginning Sept. 2009, with the LEM program scheduled for completion in June 2010. In preparation for the LEM, the Power Authority will close the upper reservoir, located on Kingsley Road in the Town of Gilboa, to all public recreational activities, including boating and shoreline fishing, on Sept. 15, to allow construction crews to mobilize equipment. The lower reservoir will remain open to boating and shoreline fishing until Sept. 30, but may be closed to boating at any time due to reasons associated with the LEM program. Access to the reservoir can be found through Mine Kill State Park, which is open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Only boaters obtaining special permits from the Power Authority, and displaying them on their boats and trailers, are allowed access to the lower reservoir. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ For more information, please go to www.nypa.gov. |
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