N.Y. Power Authority To Expand Role In EPRI Environmental Programs

White Plains - The New York Power Authority (NYPA), the nation's largest state-owned electric utility, is expanding its participation in the Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) Environment Sector Programs.

The Power Authority's trustees approved an agreement on Dec. 18 with EPRI that provides for NYPA to take part in programs involving regulatory response to greenhouse gas control, the relationship between air quality and health, environmental issues associated with transmission facility maintenance and occupational health and safety. The two-year contract took effect Jan. 1.

As an EPRI member, the Power Authority has participated in several Environment Sector programs, including those dealing with air quality, electromagnetic fields, fish protection and hydroelectric generation. The new arrangement is intended to enhance the Power Authority's role as a national leader in producing clean energy and its commitment to safe operation of its facilities.

About 75 percent of the electricity generated by NYPA comes from emission-free hydroelectric projects, principally large facilities on the Niagara and St. Lawrence rivers. The Power Authority also contributes to improved air quality in New York State through its extensive energy efficiency, clean-energy and electric-drive transportation programs.

NYPA has thus far completed energy efficiency and clean-energy projects at more than 1,560 schools and other public facilities throughout the state, helping to reduce annual greenhouse-gas emissions by nearly 825,000 tons. Those initiatives have included installation of 13 fuel cells and about 25 solar energy projects. In addition, the Power Authority has helped to deploy more than 850 clean electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in its own fleet and those of others.

SOURCE: NYPA