NYPA in Northern New York

The Power Authority’s St. Lawrence–Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project in Massena produces some of North America’s cleanest and least expensive electricity for New York homes, farms and factories.

St. Lawrence–FDR, our first generating facility, is the U.S. portion of an international power project spanning New York’s border with Canada on the St. Lawrence River.

Since 1958, inexpensive power from St. Lawrence–FDR has been a mainstay of Northern New York’s economy, but the Power Authority has also provided an array of additional benefits—from nationally recognized energy services to conservation and recreational facilities and other community improvements—that have enriched the community’s quality of life in a variety of ways.

We are currently working to ensure continued efficient operation of the project through a 15-year, $254 million life extension and modernization program. And, with the issuance of a new 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, announced Oct. 22, 2003, we have begun to implement a variety of programs and projects that will benefit our North Country neighbors.

Economic Development Power Encourages Business Growth

Perhaps our most important contribution to the community is in the area of economic development and jobs. More than 60 percent of the St. Lawrence–FDR project’s electricity supplies Alcoa’s and General Motors Powertrain’s manufacturing facilities in Massena, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs. Low-cost power supplied by NYPA from other sources protects approximately 14,000 additional jobs at some 47 Northern New York companies. As an inducement to create more jobs, the Massena Economic Development Fund provides low-interest loans to businesses relocating to or expanding in the area.  (Learn more about our economic development programs.)

Public Power Keeps Rates Low

By supplying low-cost electricity to municipally owned electric systems like the Massena Electric Department (MED) and selling power to upstate private utilities, which resell it without profit to their customers, the Power Authority helps keep electricity rates for residents and businesses in Northern New York among the lowest in the state and the nation.

Energy Efficiency

Our energy-efficiency projects at North Country schools and other government buildings save taxpayers $1.5 million a year and reduce pollution. Improvements have included heating, cooling and lighting upgrades at state offices like the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, energy-saving lighting at St. Lawrence County offices in Canton and the State University of New York at Potsdam, and even improved snowmaking capability at White Face Mountain. (Learn more about our energy-efficiency programs.)

Conservation and Recreation

On thousands of acres of parkland, on the waters of Lake St. Lawrence and in area communities, the varied conservation and recreational facilities provided by the Power Authority in connection with the St. Lawrence-FDR project have set the standard for hydroelectric development nationwide. Features include parks, beaches, boating facilities, campsites, scenic vistas and wildlife preserves.

With state-of-the-art exhibits on energy, electricity and the area’s history, the admission-free Frank S. McCullough, Jr. Hawkins Point Visitors Center and our former visitor center have attracted more than 5 million people. The center has also played an integral role in energy-education programs at area schools. Check our web calendar for community events near you.

NYPA in:

• The community

• Western New York

• Central New York

• Northern New York

• Downstate New York

Read River News, our community newsletter covering NYPA activities in the region near our plant.

News:

June 24, 2008 - St. Lawrence-FDR Visitors Center Renamed to Honor Frank S. McCullough, Jr., NYPA Chairman (includes photo and caption)

June 24, 2008 -  N.Y. Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation Mark 50 Years of Power Production at St. Lawrence Project

June 18, 2008 - Free Ice Cream and Fireworks to Highlight Community Celebration for 50th Anniversary of NYPA's St. Lawrence Project

March 26, 2008 - NYPA Trustees Approve Program For Funding Municipal Projects From Sale of Surplus St. Lawrence-FDR Properties

March 20, 2008 - Grants Approved From NYPA Fund for Environmental Education and Research Projects Involving St. Lawrence River Watershed

February 13, 2008 - Agreements Reached with Northern New York Communities for Operation and Maintenance of Municipal Recreational Facilities Near St. Lawrence-FDR Project

February 8, 2008 - NYPA President Kelley Hails Agreement with Alcoa (remarks)

January 29, 2008 - NYPA Trustees Approve Agreement in Principle With Alcoa Toward Hydropower Contract and Preservation of Jobs and Capital Investment in North Country

December 5, 2007 - NYPA Continues Progress in Transferring Ownership of Surplus St. Lawrence-FDR Project Lands

November 27, 2007 - Power Authority to Make Annual Payment of $2 Million to Local Entities

December 5, 2007 - NYPA Continues Progress in Transferring Ownership of Surplus St. Lawrence-FDR Project Lands

November 27, 2007 - Power Authority to Make Annual Payment of $2 Million to Local Entities

November 19, 2007 - Successful Start to Second Half of Life Extension and Modernization Initiative at St. Lawrence-FDR Project

November 5, 2007 - New York Power Authority Constructs Habitat Projects For Walleye and Lake Sturgeon (with photo and caption)

October 4, 2007 - Dock Removal Marks End of Boating Season on St. Lawrence

September 12, 2007 - Officials Visit Home With Plattsburgh's Latest Energy Conservation Initiative

August 30, 2007 - NYPA and DEC Provide Expanded Opportunities to Hunt Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area: Area to be Open for Hunting Access All Weekends During Waterfowl Seasons (DEC and NYPA press release)