NYPA Press Release

New York Partnership Looks to Grow Local Workforce in Exciting Field Critical to State’s Clean Energy Transition

NEW ROCHELLE—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York Transco (NY Transco) held its second in a series of career lunch and learns on April 4, 2023 at Iona University to discuss varied family-sustaining career paths associated with New York’s growing energy sector and transmission investments. Representatives from NYPA, NY Transco and Local 3 of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) spoke to students about energy careers. (See photo here.)

New York State is undertaking one of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy transformations advancing to a carbon-free energy system by 2040. The transformation calls for increased renewable energy, including wind and solar, delivered by a build out of more reliable and resilient energy transmission pathways to power homes and businesses across the state.

“At Iona we offer experiential learning opportunities for every student,” said Darelle A. Thomas, Iona College Associate Director of Career Development. “Programs like this fit well within our goal to prepare career-ready students by guiding them into growing industries that will support upward economic mobility and financial security.”

“New York State is investing in large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state to decarbonize our electricity sector and it is important for us to have a workforce that is prepared and engaged in our clean energy transition,” said Justin E. Driscoll, Acting President and CEO of the New York Power Authority of NYPA. “This is an exciting time as we foster a green economy and create jobs while ensuring a reliable energy system and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

“New York State labor unions are at the forefront of career development to support the clean energy transition,” said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager of Local 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). “The collaboration of the skilled women and men in our labor unions with public and private organizations is the key to cost-effective, efficient and successful projects that will address climate change and ensure more opportunities for union careers, especially for those people in communities most affected by the climate crisis.”

“The energy industry has tremendous opportunity to build long-lasting and rewarding careers,” said Victor Mullin, President of New York Transco.  “As we advance toward building out our renewable future supported by a cleaner energy grid, we’ll need the next generation ready to innovate and support progress.”

NYPA and NY Transco are partnered on Propel NY Energy, proposed electric transmission solutions to reliably carry offshore wind power from Long Island into the statewide grid. As New York-based and New York-focused organizations, the Propel NY Energy team is committed to community engagement and education. This series of informational presentations are taking place at local educational institutions along the proposed routing of Propel NY Energy (Long Island, New York City and Westchester County). In addition to Iona University, a recent event was held at Bronx Community College. Future events are scheduled at Hofstra University and Queensborough Community College.

About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA owns and operates approximately one third of New York’s high voltage power lines. These lines transmit power from NYPA’s three large hydroelectric generation facilities and independent wind power generation facilities, connecting nearly 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy to New York State’s power grid. This includes connecting more than 6,300 megawatts of hydroelectric power and about 700 megawatts, or more than a third, of New York State generated wind energy to the grid. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter@NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

About New York Transco
New York Transco is a New York-based owner, operator and developer of bulk electric transmission facilities with a mission to safely and efficiently deliver innovative electric transmission solutions that advance clean energy to best serve customers, communities and the environment. New York Transco is owned by subsidiaries of Con Edison, National Grid, Avangrid, and CH Energy Group. Completed projects include Ramapo to Rock Tavern, Frasers-Coopers Corners and Staten Island Unbottling. New York Transco is currently constructing the New York Energy Solution in the Hudson Valley, the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project in Orange County and Dover Station Project in Dover, NY. For more information on New York Transco, visit www.NYTransco.com.

About Iona University
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of over 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, a prestigious recognition awarded to just five percent of business schools worldwide. The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” Iona University also recently launched a new, fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona University and New York-Presbyterian announced the establishment of the New York-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, to be principally located on the University’s new campus in Bronxville, N.Y. Supported by a $20 million gift from New York-Presbyterian, the New York-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences offers a new vision for collaborative health care education, modern workforce development, and community care. On July 1, 2022, Iona officially changed its status from College to University, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.

About IBEW Local Union 3

Local Union No. 3, IBEW represents nearly 28,000 members in the electrical industry in New York City and the surrounding areas, in sectors ranging from electrical construction and maintenance, manufacturing, power generation, transmission and distribution, and renewable energy. For more information on IBEW Local Union No. 3, visit www.local3ibew.org.