Hydropower for Economic Development

NYPA’s hydropower programs were established with economic development as a goal.

The list of eligible organizations can be found under the program information in the resources section.

NYPA provides economic development hydropower to customers that commit to job retention or capital investment. Customers benefit from hydropower at low rates and may receive additional savings on the delivery of power.

We offer fixed rates that provide price predictability throughout the year.

Companies that are awarded hydropower allocations will become NYPA customers. These companies can also purchase market-priced power with green energy options through NYPA’s Market+ Power program.

Contact us to learn more about our economic development hydropower programs.

For expansion projects, reach out to NYPA for guidance as early as possible during the project planning stage, since new allocations must be approved before the project starts.

The right clean power program for you will depend upon eligibility and factors such as the geographic location of your business, whether an expansion is currently contemplated (including size and scope), and whether your company plans to add electric load.

As noted, our hydropower allocations are done on a competitive basis to support economic development. Allocation decisions are based on factors including job retention and creation, and capital investment commitments.

Contact NYPA or email us at poweringbusiness@nypa.gov to learn more about which program is right for your organization.

ReCharge NY (RNY) power contracts are awarded through a competitive, public process.

The New York State Economic Development Power Allocation Board (EDPAB) reviews applications and makes allocation recommendations to NYPA's Board of Trustees, who approve allocations. Contract terms may be up to seven years. Applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Significance of the cost of electricity to applicant's total cost of doing business and the impact an allocation would have on the applicant's operating costs
• New capital investment in New York State resulting from an allocation
• Type and cost of buildings, equipment and facilities to be constructed, enlarged or installed
• Extent to which an allocation would be consistent with existing regional economic development strategies and priorities
• Applicant's payroll, salaries, benefits and number of jobs at the facility receiving an allocation
• Number of jobs created or retained within New York State
• Applicant's risk of closure, curtailing facilities or operations, relocating out of state, or losing jobs in the state
• Significance of applicant to the local economy
• Extent of applicant's investment in energy efficiency measures
• Whether applicant receives a NYPA hydropower allocation or benefits supported by the sale of NYPA hydropower
• The extent to which an allocation would result in an advantage relative to the applicant’s competitors within the state
• For not-for-profits, the significance of the critical service or substantial benefits to the local community

NYPA offers its hydropower customers long-term agreements of 7-10 years, which provide price stability and budget certainty. The rates are fixed for 12 months and are subject to annual adjustments.

NYPA’s hydropower programs are designed to stimulate jobs and investment in New York State. Our hydropower programs were created through legislation and provide eligible businesses with cost-effective energy and long-term stability for budgeting.

NYPA is a State authority, and you can trust that our programs do not contain hidden fees, penalties, or escalation clauses. Our goal is to provide you with cost-effective solutions and the best information to meet your energy needs and help your business succeed.

NYPA has over 60 years of expertise in clean energy solutions, and customers who take power from NYPA are also eligible for NYPA’s broader advisory and energy efficiency services.

NYPA’s economic development hydropower programs are allocated based on job retention, creation, and capital commitments. Your Key Account Manager will work with you to review compliance requirements annually, and to evaluate your organization’s circumstances. Non-compliance may result in a reduction of your power allocation or an adjustment of your commitments.

There is a separate application process for Preservation Power, Western New York Hydropower, and ReCharge NY:

• For Preservation Power and Western NY Hydropower, your NYPA team can lead you through the application process. You can reach your NYPA team as noted above.
• For ReCharge NY, we recommend that you first contact us to learn more about eligibility and the application process. You can also read more about ReCharge NY here: Qualifications | Application | ReCharge Recipients.

For your ReCharge NY application, it will help to have the following information available:

• Facility location
• Twelve (12) months of electric utility invoices
• Current energy provider information
• Current employment
• Estimated 5-year annual capital investment
• For new facilities or expansion of existing facilities:
  • Project summary and timeline
  • Anticipated new load
  • Anticipated new employment levels
  • Anticipated project cost or capital investment

Learn more about ReCharge NY's Consolidated Funding Application Process by viewing the CFA Process Guide or start your CFA application here.