Exporting the power is EASY (business 101) Using it takes a real business person and a real LEADER. Remember Danny "Who will fight for you?"
Weeping in the Willows or Hiding in the Woods or Power gone Wild will not put the puck in the net or golfball in the hole - it takes real skill and talent to do that.
Low-Cost Hydropower Seen As Lure To Spur Economic Development
Governor George E. Pataki today announced a major new marketing campaign to use low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to attract industries from all over North America to relocate and create jobs in Western New York.
"This new campaign will help turn kilowatts into job opportunities," Governor Pataki said. ."Low-cost power is a key factor the business community considers when selecting locations for new facilities or expanding existing facilities This marketing effort will help to ensure that potential job-producing firms are fully aware of all we have to offer, and will help send a loud and clear message that Western New York is an outstanding place to do business.
"When combined with our new Empire Opportunity Fund and the expansion of our highly successful Empire Zones, this low-cost power campaign will help bring new jobs and economic opportunities to Western New York."
The hydropower from NYPA's Niagara Power Project is priced at less than 2 cents per kilowatt-hour, 60 percent lower than the national average. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the national average price for industrial electricity was nearly 5cents per kilowatt-hour in 2001.
The plan provides that a $500,000 national advertising campaign be launched to make decision-makers and company officials fully aware of the unique power advantages available in Western New York.
NYPA Vice Chairman Louis P. Ciminelli said, "Niagara hydropower is a limited and valuable resource. It currently helps to protect 50,000 jobs at more than 100 companies in Western New York. By reallocating power from companies unable to meet job commitments, we will put it to use in creating new jobs on the Niagara Frontier."
Senator George D. Maziarz said, "Today's announcement is most welcome news as it will have positive impacts on the economy throughout Western New York. The power generated at the Niagara Power Project is a most valuable resource and I applaud the Governor's efforts in working to utilize this resource to attract new businesses and jobs to our region."
Senator Dale M. Volker said, "The Governor understands that a key element of job creation, job retention, and improved economic development activity hinges on low-cost, accessible energy. This new marketing campaign, coupled with the Governor's proposed $2 billion Empire Opportunity Fund (EOF) which focuses on improving our upstate economy, will create immediate and long-term dividends in protecting jobs, diversifying our region's economy, and complementing Western New York's economic development initiatives currently underway."
Senator Mary Lou Rath said, "This is truly out-of-the-box thinking that will utilize Western New York's greatest natural resource to help create jobs and investment. This unique plan will pay off exponentially in terms of value to our economy and our community, and may open the door to similar types of initiatives."
Assemblyman Jim Hayes said, "The hydropower produced by the Power Authority's Niagara Power Project is one of Western New York's most valuable resources. This asset is well known by companies located in our region, and it is time we promote it to every company in the country looking for a competitive advantage. This marketing campaign will not only create and sustain jobs in our area, it demonstrates Governor Pataki's continued commitment to rebuilding the Western New York economy. This is exactly the boost our region needs."
Assemblywoman Sandra Lee Wirth said, "Under Governor Pataki's leadership, the economy of our entire Western New York community is once again moving forward. The Governor's new marketing campaign sends a message to businesses that the availability of low-cost hydropower from NYPA is an excellent incentive to expand or locate right here in our Western New York community."
Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development Corporation, said, "This is yet another example of how Governor Pataki continues to deliver for Western New York. In his State of the State address, the Governor announced the selection of Western New York's fourth, tax-free Empire Zone. Governor Pataki's leadership in bringing new Empire Zones to the area and this inexpensive power are unrivaled business attraction tools and should help Western New York grow and prosper in the years to come."
Marilyn Higgins, Executive Director of Economic Development and Marketing, said, "Niagara Mohawk is pleased to be working with Governor Pataki and the New York Power Authority on the marketing and distribution of this most valuable resource. Success in marketing the available low-cost energy will be an enormous plus for business growth and jobs in the region because this power must be used in Western New York."
Thomas A. Kucharski, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and head of the Buffalo Niagara Now low-cost power initiative, said, "The Buffalo Niagara Enterprise applauds Governor Pataki's new initiative to aggressively market low-cost power to those looking to relocate and/or expand in the Buffalo-Niagara region. The Governor clearly understands the hurdles our community faces to attracting new investment and is taking aggressive action to help make us more competitive."
Steven A. Braver, chairman of the Niagara USA Chamber, said, "Gov. Pataki and the various partners in this effort are to be commended for seizing the initiative to market what is one of the most valuable resources we have in this community. A well-developed and orchestrated campaign will ensure that the best possible use is made of this low-cost power, to the benefit of the entire region. We look forward to supporting this initiative."
The Niagara USA Chamber, with more than 2000 members, was formed recently through the consolidation of the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Niagara Chamber, and the Niagara Business Alliance.
The available electricity -- 17,000 kilowatts (kw) -- is part of the "Replacement Power" block of 445,000 kw of power generated at the Niagara hydropower project. The federal Niagara Redevelopment Act established the Replacement Power program, which makes the low-cost hydropower available to industries in the Niagara Mohawk service territory that are located within 30 miles of the project.
The 17,000 kw currently available has been relinquished by businesses no longer using the electricity or recaptured from companies unable to keep job commitments in their contracts for the hydropower.
Under the legal requirements governing the program, once Niagara Mohawk advises NYPA that more than 10,000 kw of Replacement Power has become available, the Power Authority is required to announce its availability by legal notice within 20 days. Industries must submit applications for an allocation of the hydropower within 60 days of publication of the legal notice.
The Power Authority will accept applications for allocations of the available Replacement Power before March 25, 2002. Applications for allocations will be available through the New York Power Authority and Niagara Mohawk. NYPA, ESDC, NiMo and the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise will conduct workshops on the Replacement Power program and the application process for interested parties. The details of time, date and place will be announced in the next several days.
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