Fall 2006

It’s a formula whose time has come. Last year NYPA and its Energy Expo partners drew more than 300 home and business owners to Saranac Lake, and again to Buffalo, to learn how to lower utility bills from regional energy professionals.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, a free, open-to-the-public Energy Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project’s Visitors Center. “We expect more than 25 consultants and vendors, ready with advice and information on energy-efficient products and services,” said Steve Ramsey, NYPA community relations manager.

“Again this year we all expect higher prices for heating and electricity. This can be time well spent, learning how to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses, getting information on energy audits and low-cost financing opportunities, and gathering tips and tactics to weatherize your property. The concept has drawn enthusiastic crowds north and west of here, simply by offering ways to keep your home and business warm and bright this winter while minimizing any impact on your energy bills.”

Coordinating Expo activities will be NYPA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Capital/Saratoga Energy $mart Communities program. Each vendor or service provider will have his/her own space under tents on the Visitors Center’s sweeping lawn, just off State Route 30 in North Blenheim.

“We’re scheduling our annual Wildlife Festival here the same day. It should be a lively Saturday,” said Ramsey, who added that B-G plans to display several fuel-efficient hybrid-electric cars on the lawn.

Among expected participants are representatives from SUNY/Cobleskill; NYSERDA; National Grid; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Capital/Saratoga Energy $mart Communities; state Public Service Commission; state Department of Agriculture; Schoharie County Office for the Aging and the county’s Department of Weights and Measures.

“Joining them will be heating specialists, contractors, hardware and home improvement consultants, and others,” said Ramsey. Not to mention “Socket Boy.” Who? “Plan to meet him on the 23rd,” said Ramsey. “He’ll be... charged up.”

Photo with Caption

Getting in shape for some heavy lifting, B-G’s towering, 510-ton gantry crane is weight-tested with water-filled bags, on top of the project’s four pump-generating units, normally operating deep under ground below weather-tight hatches. The crane will lift motor-generators, spherical valves and related electrical and mechanical components for replacement or rehabilitation as a major four-year life extension and modernization program gets under way this fall. The major upgrade will increase B-G’s generating capacity and expand unit operating ranges, aiding its ability to respond to New York State’s peak power demands.

NYPA’s Schriver to Head B-G Upgrade

Earlier this summer the Power Authority named Allen Schriver regional manager of Central New York, the senior position at the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project. He will head a major, four-year life extension and modernization (LEM) program at the project, scheduled to get under way this fall.

Schriver previously served as NYPA’s regional manager of Northern New York, at its St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in upstate Massena. There he led a similar, ongoing project upgrade to overhaul its 16 turbine generators.

“B-G could not have a better leader than Allen Schriver as we embark on this important program to improve the cycle efficiency, pumping flow and flexibility of our four turbine generator units,” said Edward Welz, senior vice president and chief engineer, Power Generation, for NYPA.

“We know this from his years at the helm of our St. Lawrence-FDR project and his strong oversight of the LEM program there. In addition to his technical excellence, Al also helped reduce costs and streamline scheduling, all while conducting his regular duties.”

“Initiating a significant project like a LEM program is challenging and rewarding,” said Schriver. “Blenheim-Gilboa has an outstanding staff, with many talents, which will greatly contribute to this important endeavor.”

Schriver joined the Power Authority in 1985 as an electrical engineer at St. Lawrence-FDR, where he subsequently held various positions including electrical maintenance supervisor, test engineer, senior operations engineer and operations superintendent.

He earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University; a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts and is a registered professional engineer in the State of New York.

Schriver replaces Horace Horton, recently named regional manager of Western New York, where he will head NYPA’s Niagara Power Project.

Schriver and his wife, Elizabeth, are the parents of four children.

Mine Kill Action

Schoharie and Delaware County youngsters again gathered this July at Mine Kill State Park, close to the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project, for rigorous summer soccer camp competition. NYPA co-sponsors the regional camps through the Headwaters Soccer Club, formed to offer soccer camps, clinics and a tournament schedule to match those offered in larger school districts. (Two photos.)

Fur, Feathers, Fun

Last September, more than 4,500 visitors arrived at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center to get themselves and their families better acquainted with raptors, reptiles, llamas and alpacas; to sit in on fly-tying workshops, hop aboard a horse-drawn wagon or learn more about the blacksmith’s trade. There was juggling, music and a lively gentleman named Mr. Bouncety Bounce.

That action’s been typical of what’s now a 21-year regional tradition—the Power Authority’s annual Wildlife Festival, set this year for Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year? Well, in the Showcase Tent, a partial list of participants includes representatives of the Schoharie County Department of Health; the state Department of Environmental Conservation, showing its Bear Exhibit; the Schoharie County Wood Chippers; the Landis Arboretum, the Ravenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and Perkins’ Taxidermy.

Hungry? How about some apple fritters, pie or muffins from the Conesville Church…hot dogs, chili and pie courtesy of the Gilboa United Methodist Church…and/or cheeseburgers and sausage from the Stamford Rotary Club?

It’s free, it’s fun, it’s fabulous. The no-cost festival is held in recognition of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and it’s a day for children of all ages to meet with a host of environmental and outdoor educators and wildlife experts. Bring the whole family—the festival is at the project’s Visitor’s Center, on state Route 30, about one hour southwest of Albany. Details: www.nypa.gov.

Coming Up at the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center

September 23
Energy Expo/21st Annual Wildlife Festival

October 28
Annual S’cary Halloween

November 5, 12, 19
Sunday Matinee Movies

December 9
Photos with Santa

Information:
1-800-724-0309

About Valley News

Valley News is produced periodically by the New York Power Authority to update our neighbors on activities at our Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project and its visitors center, and as a community newsletter for residents of the Schoharie Valley.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Steve Ramsey, NYPA’s community relations manager, at 518-287-6380, fax 518-287-6381, or at steve.ramsey@nypa.gov.