NYPA Press Release

For Immediate Release: 06/04/26 

Contact: Jessica.kirby@nypa.gov | (518) 287-6391

 

New York Power Authority Conducts Annual Emergency Action Plan Review for Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project

 

GILBOA, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) yesterday hosted its annual Emergency Action Plan (EAP) meeting for the Blenheim-Gilboa (B-G) Pumped Storage Project. Local stakeholders including first responders and officials from the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services, Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection were in attendance to review procedures that will be followed in the event of an emergency. Annual NYPA EAP reviews provide critical updates to operational and emergency protocols associated with its power projects.

 

At the meeting, NYPA presented a review of the EAP that included an overview of flood inundation maps and EAP notifications. The ongoing coordination with regional emergency management partners and local agencies strengthens emergency preparedness and public safety.  

 

In December 2025, NYPA submitted updated Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) and Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) studies to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. PMP and PMF studies provide critical insights into potential scenarios and help to ensure that safety measures and emergency protocols are up-to-date and effective.

 

NYPA issued a solicitation seeking to retain an engineering consultant firm to conduct feasibility studies and analyses to ascertain if modifications to the infrastructure of the B-G project are needed.

 

The Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project is one of the Power Authority's largest hydroelectric projects. It helps balance the electric grid by pumping water uphill to a reservoir during low-demand periods and releasing it downhill to generate power during peak usage. The facility's operations and emergency protocols are continually assessed to meet stringent safety standards.

 

###

 

About NYPA

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA 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 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Substack.