WHITE PLAINS: NYPA Seeks Paper Reduction for Notes— As part of its effort to promote environmental sustainability, the Power Authority would like to switch from paper distribution of NYPA Notes to an electronic version for as many readers as possible. Readers who would prefer to receive the electronic version may send their email addresses to Felicia Eccles at eccles.f@nypa.gov  or call her at 518-433-6709. Please include your name so we can locate you on the database. And thanks to the many of you who have already converted to email.

SYRACUSE: ‘Green’ Building Principles Can Benefit Schools—Environmentally sound building technologies used by the Power Authority and others in commercial buildings can be successfully applied to schools, with significant educational benefits, NYPA President and CEO Timothy Carey told a seminar on Green and Sustainable Schools here in late March. The advantages of green buildings, including lower operating costs and improved health and productivity, “are directly relevant to every school in New York State, and indeed throughout the nation,” Carey said, noting NYPA is prepared to work with school officials on environmental technologies through its “Power to Schools” program. “Every dollar that a school district doesn’t spend on electricity, heat or water can be spent for purely educational purposes,” Carey said. “And every day not lost to absenteeism by a student or teacher is a day for learning, for achievement and for growth.”

CHEEKTOWAGA: Low-Cost Power May Help Company Expand—An allocation of low-cost Power Authority electricity to Cameron Compression Systems could lead to a $7 million expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility here and the addition of 18 jobs to a current work force of about 500. The hydropower from NYPA’s Niagara Power Project in Lewiston is expected to help persuade Cameron, a global provider of gas and air compressors for the steel industry and various businesses, to undertake an expansion in Western New York rather than at another manufacturing facility, in Texas. The company would construct a new building and invest in new equipment. Cameron would receive 350 kilowatts (kw) from a block of power called replacement power. Replacement power, along with another block, expansion power, help to protect about 43,000 Western New York jobs. The Western New York Advisory Group, consisting of NYPA, National Grid, Empire State Development Corp., the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and the Niagara County Department of Economic Development, supported the latest Niagara allocation.

WHITE PLAINS: Sunlight to Help Power Three Schools— Solar photovoltaic systems able to produce a total of up to 5.4 kilowatts of power will be installed at two high schools and a middle school in New York State this summer, thanks to a cooperative effort among the Power Authority, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the local electric systems serving each school. The solar panels will provide clean, low-cost power and complement class instruction on renewable energy sources. Pioneer High School in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County; Lake Placid High School in Essex County; and Solvay Middle School in Onondaga County will be included in the program. They are among the first projects to result from NYPA’s approval last year of participation by municipal and rural cooperative electric systems in the Authority’s Statewide Energy Services Program, covering energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives. The schools will use curricular materials, lesson plans and background developed by NYSERDA. The solar systems include panels of semiconductor solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, as well as inverters that change the power from direct to alternating current required for conventional use.

NEW YORK CITY: NYPA Employee Named 2007 Black Achiever — Aisha Kutter, the Power Authority’s 2007 Black Achiever, was among 42 guests honored at the Harlem YMCA’s 37th Annual Salute to Black Achievers in Industry dinner at the New York Marriott Hotel in March. Kutter manages NYPA’s Peak Load Management program, designed to cut use of electricity by NYPA customers in New York City during peak summer demand periods. She was cited for her contributions to the Power Authority’s Marketing and Economic Development business unit. Hired in 2002 as an entry-level forecast analyst with no electric utility experience, Kutter distinguished herself by quickly mastering a newly installed short-term forecasting system. Her supervisors also cited her work attitude and positive working relationships with colleagues. A resident of Hopewell Junction, Kutter volunteers her time with the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, helping to coordinate benefit concerts and maintain its website. Proceeds from the awards dinner help the Harlem YMCA finance mentoring programs and college scholarships for New York City youths.

SCHOHARIE: Power Authority Recognizes Emergency Services—NYPA has contributed $5,500 to the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors as the first installment for operation and maintenance of a Schoharie Creek early warning siren system for use at times of potential flooding. The Power Authority has pledged $31,000 over five years for the system, in addition to $20,000 in annual funding it has long provided area fire and rescue squads for equipment and operation. During an appreciation dinner in late March at the Holiday Inn here, Allen Schriver, NYPA’s regional manager, Central New York, presented the $5,500 check to Earl VanWormer, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The dinner was held to recognize critical services of local emergency fire and rescue squads, law enforcement and the Cobleskill regional hospital. Earlier NYPA donations have included a defibrillator for the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department in 2004 and $10,000 to help the county purchase a hovercraft rescue vehicle in 1996, following severe flooding.

NIAGARA FALLS: Power Authority Supports Science Fair—For the fourth year in a row, NYPA was a primary sponsor of the Niagara County Science Fair held March 24 at the Stella Niagara Education Park. Approximately 200 winners of competitions at 24 area middle schools and home schools participated in the event, designed to help students prepare and present scientific research and motivate them to pursue careers in science. In addition to financial support, the Power Authority has had staff members serve as judges and display exhibits from the Niagara Power Project’s Power Vista for the hundreds of participants and spectators who attend the day-long event. Other sponsors include Stella Niagara Education Park and the Environmental Leadership Institute of Niagara University.

LEWISTON: NYPA Sponsors Scholarships for Tuscarora Students—Among the provisions of NYPA’s relicensing settlement agreement with the Tuscarora Nation is the creation of an annual scholarship program for Tuscarora students. Two full-tuition scholarships will be offered each year for the term of the Niagara Power Project’s new 50-year license, approved by federal regulators in March. To be eligible, each applicant must belong to the Tuscarora Nation and attend a State University of New York school. The Tuscarora Nation has sole discretion in selecting scholarship recipients. Application forms and additional information are available on the Power Authority’s relicensing website: http://niagara.nypa.gov/Tuscarora.htm . The deadline to apply for the 2007-2008 academic year is April 30.