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| Week of Sept. 12, 2004 |
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MARCY: Advanced Transmission Device Records Milestone— An advanced
feature of a new transmission-control device at the Power Authority's
Frederick R. Clark Energy Center here got its first use on Aug. 30, with
power redirected from one transmission line to another in the same
substation. NYPA utilized the transfer capability of the convertible static
compensator (CSC) on instructions of the New York Independent System
Operator (NYISO). The CSC redirected power on two 345-kilovolt (kv) lines at
the substation to ensure the continued safe operation of a 345-kv circuit
between Roseton in Orange County and East Fishkill in Dutchess County. In
June, Gov. George Pataki announced the completion of the second and final
phase of the CSC, which relies on high-speed, solid-state electronics rather
than conventional electromechanical devices to control transmission voltages
and power flows. Equipment installed under the project's first phase, placed
in operation in mid-1991, provided voltage support for increasing flows on
the statewide power grid by up to 114,000 kilowatts (kw). The second phase
raised the total to nearly 200,000 kw. ALBANY: NYPA Helps Fund Hydrogen Technology Projects—The Power Authority and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on Sept. 2 pledged $1.5 million in funding for hydrogen technology demonstration projects in the areas of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilization. Earlier this year, NYPA, NYSERDA and the Long Island Power Authority also committed $750,000 to assist the state in creating a "Hydrogen Roadmap" by developing education and outreach programs, reviewing codes and standards, and initiating targeted research and development in New York. Business, industry and academic leaders will assist in identifying the steps needed to put a hydrogen infrastructure in place. "The new funding will continue to foster the Empire State's leadership in advanced energy technology and support the governor's efforts to chart a sound course for New York's hydrogen future," NYPA Chairman Louis Ciminelli said. To find out more about funding for hydrogen technology demonstration projects (PON 889), proposal requirements and how and where to submit proposals, visit http://www.nyserda.org and click on Funding Opportunities. Proposals are due Oct. 12, 2004. BROOKLYN: Energy Upgrade to Start at Mental Health Center— The Power Authority is set to begin $9.3 million in electrical improvements this month at the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Services Office, a six-building complex providing treatment of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. The project, scheduled for completion in December 2005, is expected to provide $264,000 in annual energy savings for the complex, one of 13 units of the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). A major electrical upgrade planned as part of the work will connect the facility to the Consolidated Edison grid, eliminating reliance on aging, less dependable and more costly on-site generating equipment except in peak demand times and emergencies. NYPA will also replace three aging steam boilers and two chillers with more efficient and environmentally cleaner equipment. NYPA, which is implementing the project under an agreement with the state Office of General Services, provided similar energy upgrades for an OMRDD facility in Monroe County in the early 1990s. LEWISTON: Rain Can't Dampen Jazz Festival Enthusiasm— Threatening skies and a brief Saturday shower did little to deter the record number of participants who turned out for this year's Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival, Aug. 27-29. Now in its third year, the NYPA-sponsored event continued to grow in every way: Close to 30,000 visitors from the East Coast and beyond listened to 150 musicians while spending up to $900,000 on festival-related goods and services, according to event organizers affiliated with the Greater Lewiston Business and Professional Association. Increases were also seen in the numbers of restaurants offering sidewalk samplings, antiques vendors selling their wares and regional businesses joining as sponsors of the annual event. The Power Authority funded the original jazz festival in 2002 to mark the 40th anniversary of its Niagara Power Project, located here. The Power Authority has been the event's primary sponsor ever since. NEW YORK: NYPA Helps Fund West Harlem Cultural Bus Loop— NYPA has contributed $75,000 toward the establishment of a hybrid-electric shuttle bus loop in West Harlem and Washington Heights in connection with a weeklong commemoration of the 1776 Battle of Harlem Heights. Gov. George Pataki and David Paterson, the state Senate minority leader, will co-chair the festivities, beginning Sept. 12 with a lecture at the home of Alexander Hamilton at 287 Convent Ave. and tours of the historic neighborhood. On Sept. 17, a press conference organized by the West Harlem Art Fund, at a location to be determined, will announce the creation the new cultural bus loop and a new state-designated heritage area in northern Manhattan. The commemoration will conclude on Sept. 19 with drilling, marching and weapons demonstrations; bagpiping and highland dancing; historical exhibits and a concert at St. Nicholas Park at 135th Street and St. Nicholas Ave. Information: (212) 690-0867. HERE AND THERE: Wild Times Beckon at September Festivals— Look for some exotic visitors at NYPA-sponsored admission-free wildlife festivals in and around the Niagara Power Project Power Vista in Lewiston, the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project visitors center in North Blenheim and the Trenton Fish and Game Club in Holland Patent, near the Frederick R. Clark Energy Center, the weekend of Sept. 25. The festivals will feature wildlife exhibitions, workshops, entertainment, and food and beverages, in addition to up-close and personal encounters with birds of prey, llamas, reptiles, monkeys and more. The Blenheim-Gilboa and Holland Patent festivals are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Niagara festival is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit www.nypa.gov for more information. In the Community: The Power Authority was scheduled to demonstrate an electric vehicle at the Peach Festival, Lewiston, Sept. 11….A NYPA electric vehicle was on display at the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company's annual Labor Day parade, Sept. 6….The Power Authority received a special plaque at the dedication of the Grand Gorge Fire Hall in recognition of its support for the construction of the new building and the surrounding gardens, Aug. 26….Ed Birdie, community relations representative, spoke to the Bronx Rotary Club on the Power Authority's programs in New York City, Aug. 24.…Sobeida Cruz, director of public and governmental affairs, lower Hudson Valley, gave a talk to the Hartsdale Kiwanis Club on NYPA's Westchester County activities, Aug. 17….The Power Authority's Speakers Bureau can arrange for a speaker on an energy-related topic at your next meeting. If you are located near a NYPA project or office and are interested in booking a speaker, please contact Maryann Falls, (914) 390-8173 or maryann.falls@nypa.gov . For more details, see www.nypa.gov . |