News News Releases Archives April–June 2006

Commission approves project to add 160 megawatts of new peak generating capacity in New York state

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today authorized the New York Power Authority to rehabilitate the four generating units at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Project, which would increase its generating capacity and efficiency.

The project is located on Schohaire Creek in Schohaire County, N.Y. The licensee would rehabilitate the existing four pump-turbine runners and possibly other components to increase the total generating capacity by 160 megawatts. The project's four turbines currently produce about 250 megawatts of electricity each, providing an overall project generating capacity of about 1,000 megawatts. With completion of the rehabilitation project, the four units will have a generating capacity of 290 megawatts each, providing an overall project generating capacity of 1,160 megawatts.

"This is a win-win for NYPA and the state's consumers," said Commission Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher. "It will provide more efficient use of an existing resource to provide 160 megawatts of emission-free electricity during periods of peak demand, which will contribute to the operational flexibility of the New York Independent System Operator."

The licensee states the modifications would increase the generating efficiency by about 7 percent, and would enhance the flexibility of the plant to meet peak power demand. As part of the license amendment application, the licensee included a new water quality certificate from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

R-06-26

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