Today, April 27, we celebrate 95 years of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), a milestone that’s rooted in our commitment to delivering reliable, affordable power across New York.

For nearly a century, we have held steady to a simple, unwavering mission: to serve the people of New York State.

In 1931, when the United States was still in the grip of the Great Depression, access to affordable electricity wasn’t just a convenience; it was a lifeline. It meant heat in the winter. Light after sunset. Little things that we take for granted today. With that in mind, forming the Power Authority wasn’t just about generating megawatts; it was about unlocking opportunity.

Throughout much of our organization’s 95-year history, a large part of our identity has been tied to water, harnessing the natural force of rivers and reservoirs to generate clean, reliable electricity. It’s an important legacy, and one that continues to matter greatly. Through our large-scale hydroelectric projects and transmission infrastructure, we have supported energy efficiency, reliability and quietly enabled growth across industries. Today, we produce 25 percent of the state’s electricity with more than 80 percent of it being clean renewable hydropower, and we operate one-third of its transmission system. One of our core values sums up all we do: “We work for the greater good and a stronger, sustainable New York.”

As we approach our first century milestone, our role in power generation on behalf of New York continues to expand. Longstanding strengths remain critical, but they are now being advanced alongside expanded clean energy efforts, including renewables and nuclear generation, helping create the next phase of New York’s interconnected energy landscape.

We will continue to build on our focus on infrastructure and strong asset management practices, as well as reliability, efficiency and resilience – all while supporting economic growth, and a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for New York.

Anniversaries are often about looking back. But, at a moment like this, NYPA’s 95^th invites something more. Because our story isn’t defined only by the years behind us, but by what we’re doing with the years ahead. Regardless of the opportunity or challenge ahead, our mission remains clear:

Lead the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York through customer partnerships, innovative energy solutions and the responsible supply of affordable, clean and reliable electricity.

Thank you, New York, for 95 years of growth, partnership and powering possibility.

Arbor Day is all about celebrating trees and promoting their planting and care. At the New York Power Authority, we don’t just celebrate trees one day a year—we recognize their value all year long.

This spring, the Power Authority is launching its Tree Power program for its 35^th year, matching tree plantings ordered by our power customers. It’s a simple idea with a big impact: for every tree you plant, we help plant another one—doubling the benefits for communities.

“NYPA matches hundreds of trees every year as a way to help create healthier and more resilient communities and increase tree equity across the state,” said Cari, Sustainability program manager. “Planting trees reduces heat islands, improves air quality, increases recreation opportunities and beautifies neighborhoods.”

NYPA is reaching out to municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state and local governments across the state offering a free one-for-one match for every tree ordered. To encourage tree planting in disadvantaged communities, NYPA offers a two-for-one match for plantings in those areas. A map of eligible disadvantaged communities can be found here.

Trees Matter More Than You Think

Trees aren’t just “nice to have” greenery. When they’re planted in the right places, they quietly work for us every day:

• They keep neighborhoods cooler.
  Trees provide shade that can lower temperatures on streets, sidewalks, and around buildings. That means less need for air conditioning and lower energy bills.

• They clean the air.
  Trees absorb pollutants and trap dust and particulates, helping improve air quality and making it easier to breathe—especially important in busy or industrial areas.

• They reduce flooding.
  Trees intercept rainfall through their leaves, soak up water through their roots and slow down runoff. That helps reduce stormwater flooding and eases the burden on local drainage systems.

• They store carbon.
  As trees grow, they pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. This “natural carbon storage” helps fight climate change.

• They support local wildlife.
  Native trees provide food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, increasing biodiversity and making ecosystems more resilient.

• They make communities healthier and more inviting.
  Tree-lined streets and parks encourage people to walk, play, and spend time outside. Studies show access to green space can improve mental health and overall well-being.

Since 2016, more than 9,700 trees have been distributed through NYPA’s Tree Power program, sequestering more than 500 metric tons of CO₂e emissions and providing over $2 million in quality of life and energy benefits to communities across the state. 

Tree Power is one piece of a much larger effort. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul launched a ‘25 Million Trees by 2033’ initiative to recognize the importance of trees and forests for climate mitigation and community health. The 25 Million Trees website and tree tracking tool help New Yorkers record the location and number of trees they plant while helping the state document progress in real-time.

If you’re a NYPA power customer and want to learn more about the 2026 Tree Power program, contact Tree.Power@nypa.gov

Together, we can grow cooler, healthier, greener communities—one tree (or two, or three) at a time. Happy Arbor Day New York!

From engineering and operations to finance, communications, sustainability, digital innovation and many more departments, women at NYPA are leading the way in modernizing the grid, strengthening reliability and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, smarter energy system. Their leadership isn’t just powering our infrastructure; it’s powering possibility.

One of our favorite parts of this year’s celebration was a project that brings together past and present in a simple, joyful way: childhood photos of the women who now help keep the lights on for New York. These snapshots—of curious kids, future problem‑solvers and budding changemakers—tell a quiet but powerful story about who grows up to shape the energy landscape. It’s a reminder that big dreams often start small, and that the people behind our most critical systems were once children imagining their own futures.

This month, we’re proud to shine a little extra light on the women who make NYPA stronger. Their impact continues to grow—just like the sparks of curiosity that first set them on their paths.

Here’s to the women powering New York’s energy future. And here’s to the bright beginnings that brought them here.

In addition to the power it generates, the turbine’s physical size and scale is also massive– one turbine unit is about the height of a four-story building and weighs nearly 1,000 tons. Reflecting on the project, Mike from Niagara’s Mechanical Maintenance team says, “We have big tools and big materials; nothing is really small here.” See photos.

With the help of a large crane that rolls along a rail embedded into the floor of the plant, the unit is lifted up in pieces and arrayed for repairs in the plant’s assembly bay. The process of transforming a semi-analog machine into a fully digital one involves the complete disassembly of each unit, the replacement of many parts, and the addition of numerous sensors.

Unit 6 was the first turbine unit to be modernized and digitized as part of Next Generation Niagara, NYPA’s 15-year $1.1 billion program to bring the 1960’s era Niagara Power Project – New York’s clean energy workhorse and the third largest hydropower generator in the U.S. by capacity – into the modern age, so that it can continue to produce clean hydropower for the next 30-40 years.

Launched in July 2019, the Next Gen Niagara program encompasses four distinct phases

- Upgrading and digitizing control systems

- Overhaul and/or replacement of mechanical components that have reached the end of their operating life;
- Replacement of the 630-ton gantry crane that enables disassembly and reassembly of the generating units;

- Design and implementation of an inspection platform to inspect the plant’s penstocks, the 13 tunnels that run up the side of the plant and allow water to fall 300-feet from the forebay to spin the turbines and generate power.

“The first one is always the hardest,” says Mike. “We haven’t disassembled one of these units in a very long time so there was a bit of a learning curve for all involved. We’ll take our learnings into account as we move on to the next one.” See Photos of work on Unit 6.

One down, 12 to go.

The Stockade Historic District is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Schenectady, New York, tracing its roots to the 17th century along the north bank of the Mohawk River. Bounded by the river to the north and featuring one of the nation’s richest concentrations of colonial-era homes, the Stockade has evolved from a fortified settlement into a densely built residential district prized for its historic character and strong community fabric.

Because much of the Stockade lies on a low-lying plain directly adjacent to the Mohawk, it has long been susceptible to periodic inundation and ice-related flooding. Seasonal snowmelt, storm surges, and especially ice jams have repeatedly pushed water over the riverbanks and into streets and basements throughout the neighborhood. That vulnerability is where the New York State Canal Corporation’s newest tugboat, Thomas X. Grasso, comes into play.

“We’re breaking up the ice on the river between Locks Seven and Eight,” said Jeff Gritsavage, Division Canal Engineer. “Ice can dam up against the railroad bridges leading into the Stockade neighborhood and, left unchecked, it can lead to flooding.”

Ice has long been a problem along the Mohawk, and over the years people have tried nearly everything to keep the river moving and the streets of the Stockade dry. On two separate occasions — once in 1914 and again in 1954 — town officials even resorted to using dynamite to break up ice jams.

“I’m not sure that it worked too well,” Jeff said. “It broke a lot of windows, but that was about it!”

The current ice-breaking effort marks a first for the Canal Corporation, made possible by the addition of powerful new tugboats like the Grasso and its sister ship, the Rome.

“We had a tug, the Erie, that did some limited ice breaking in the Utica section just to clear the area,” Jeff said. “And I think the Grover Cleveland may have done some ice breaking back in the day when the Canal stayed open later in the season. But nothing on this scale. This is a first.”

The Grasso’s approach to ice breaking isn’t about simply smashing its way through the river. Instead, it involves making a series of passes upstream and back down again, agitating the ice and carving it into smaller pieces so that, when the river thaws, they can float away with the current. The goal is to reduce the ice into chunks small enough to pass safely through obstacles such as bridge piers and railroad trestles.

“If the pieces are four feet wide, that’s not a problem,” Jeff said. “But if you get a piece that’s sixty feet wide, or even less, and it’s structurally strong enough, it will block the flow.”

It’s a challenging task, Jeff noted, and one that requires constant awareness and confidence in the vessel’s performance.

“A rescue out here would be challenging,” he said. “It’s not like a car where you can just pull over and call AAA. You have to be sure-footed and always alert. I can recall one situation just standing on the dock where the wind was blowing 12 to 14 knots (approximately 14 to 16 miles per hour), and it almost blew me right off. You always have to be aware of the conditions and your surroundings.”

The plan moving forward is to continue ice breaking along the Mohawk and, eventually, to bring the Rome and other new tugboats onto the Canal system during future winters. As Jeff sees it, this effort represents the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship between the Canal Corporation, the people of Schenectady, and communities throughout New York.

“It’s a unique mission,” he said. “And we haven’t had any flooding in the Stockade neighborhood since we started doing this. That’s a good feeling. We’re out here looking out for the community and trying to prevent what could be a real problem.”

Watch an exclusive video of the ice breaking in action below!

In October 2025, the New York Power Authority kicked off its first solicitations as part of a new effort to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of advanced nuclear energy. These solicitations included a Request for Information (RFI) directed at Upstate New York communities interested in hosting an advanced nuclear project developed by NYPA, as well as an RFI seeking information from potential development partners with expertise in developing, constructing, operating, or servicing nuclear power projects.

Following Governor Hochul’s initial announcement in June 2025, NYPA received expressions of interest from numerous community leaders and elected officials who were eager to host an advanced nuclear facility. The RFIs were issued to formalize the process of gathering information from interested communities and identifying potential sites that meet the criteria for hosting a nuclear power facility.

NYPA received a substantial response to the solicitations: 23 submissions from potential developers or partners, and eight submissions from Upstate New York communities. The RFI process will not directly result in an award—right now, it’s all about gathering useful information to shape the project to align with what communities want and need.

NYPA is currently reviewing the responses from both the Developer/Partner and Community RFIs to guide future engagement plans with communities and potential partners. The enthusiastic response to NYPA’s initial round of solicitations reflects a strong interest from communities and collaborators eager to support NYPA in leading New York toward a clean energy future.

The past year was a banner one, with NYPA receiving overwhelming recognition for being highly favored by employees. NYPA’s mission-driven work particularly intrigues early career professionals. “Recent graduates appreciate our mission to provide carbon-free energy solutions,” said Cynthia Miller, director of Talent Acquisitions.

In 2025, NYPA’s outstanding work environment was recognized via several distinguished rankings from Forbes, including the below, and more:

• Forbes Best Mid-Size Employers: On February 19, NYPA was featured on Forbes’ List of Best Mid-Size Employers.

• Forbes Best Employers for New Grads: On May 21, NYPA ranked #3 out of 500 companies, underscoring its commitment to nurturing young talent.

• Forbes Best Employers for Engineers: On October 31, NYPA was recognized for its excellent benefits, competitive salaries and professional development opportunities for engineers.

“I’m honored our organization made these rankings in large part because they come directly from employees – it’s their opinions and voices that got us here,” said NYPA Senior Vice President of Human Resources Karina Saslow.

NYPA’s reputation as a top workplace was further reinforced by City & State, which recognized the Authority as a Top Place to Work in New York for 2025 for its mission-drive culture that benefits all New Yorkers.

In addition to being a workplace where individuals can make an impact that benefits people’s lives, it’s also one where individuals can build fulfilling careers through continuous learning, stretch assignments, mentorship programs and more. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits and an atmosphere of acknowledgement and understanding that they are more than just their jobs.

Plus, at NYPA and Canals, employees appreciate that they get to work alongside good people. “I feel empowered and supported by my colleagues,” said Hannah Schwalberg, communications project manager, “who are generous with their time and guidance.”

Sean Smith, senior HR business partner, was awarded the HR Impact Award by Buffalo Business First in 2024 for his significant contributions that even extend beyond NYPA. Sean is known to go above and beyond in recruiting outreach to help narrow the gap in employment opportunities for Western New Yorkers. For instance, Sean coordinated efforts when the Sumitomo plant in Buffalo closed to share information about jobs available at NYPA to those impacted.

April Contreras, product manager, was also honored by Buffalo Business First with their 2025 40 Under 40 award. The award recognizes professionals in Western New York who have made significant contributions to their organizations and communities. Notably, the 2025 list was made from the largest group of nominations in the last decade. Among the nearly 300 nominated, April shined through for her success in both her profession and involvement with the local Buffalo community. “I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from NYPA, which has been instrumental in my professional growth,” said April.

NYPA employs more than 2,500 people in New York State, including engineers, mechanics, security professionals, electricians, project managers, environmental scientists, data analysts, cloud engineers, financial analysts, energy traders and many more. To explore career opportunities at the Power Authority, visit careers.nypa.gov. 

For those who celebrate Christmas, picking out a tree is a long-standing holiday tradition. Sometimes, finding the perfect tree can turn into an all-day quest. To help ease this holiday hustle, NYPA has partnered with local farmer Don, who uses one of the rights of way (ROWs) in Marcy, a town located in central New York’s Mohawk Valley.

“Originally, this was a dairy farm when we bought it,” Don recalls. “But the cows were breaking out and getting hit by cars! So, we switched to Christmas trees, and for the last 30 years, we’ve been planting them under the transmission towers.”

When Don decided to move to trees instead of cows, NYPA’s only concern was the height of the trees. It’s crucial for NYPA to keep the areas around their power lines clear of tall vegetation. To manage this, they use Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM), a method that combines cultural, biological, and physical techniques to control plant growth.

“Typically, when we manage vegetation around power lines, we aim to keep tall-growing trees out of the area,” said Lew, NYPA’s manager of ROW and Environmental. “We collaborate with landowners, enabling them to use the land for activities like crop farming, pastures, orchards, or Christmas tree farms. Christmas trees, for example, only grow to about 15 feet, which keeps them from interfering with power lines.”

NYPA has an easement with local landowners, which allows the landowners to use the land for specific purposes, such as growing a Christmas tree farm, as long as these activities do not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the power lines. While the landowners retain ownership, NYPA has the right to access the land at any time for inspections, maintenance, and vegetation management. The landowners must ensure that NYPA’s access is unobstructed and may need to obtain permits for certain activities. This arrangement ensures that NYPA can perform necessary work while enabling the landowners to utilize the land for their needs, like a tree farm.

Working alongside John, a senior regional staff forester, Lew takes land stewardship seriously. To him, it’s a shared responsibility with the landowners, and NYPA works hard to forge strong partnerships with them. The goal is always collaboration, creating a desirable environmental space while ensuring the land serves NYPA’s needs.

“We collaborate with landowners who have Christmas tree farms, apple orchards, pastures, and croplands,” Lew explained. “This partnership allows them to use their properties while ensuring we can manage the land without any issues.”

From Don’s perspective, the partnership with NYPA has been positive from the start, and he hopes it continues for years to come.

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with the Power Authority over the years,” he said. “If you need something, they’re always there, and we work well together. If I have any questions or concerns, they’re always ready to meet with me and work things out.”

In addition to bringing holiday cheer to local families once they’re cut down and sold, the Christmas trees—a mixture of firs and spruces—provide significant environmental benefits year-round. The trees capture and store more carbon from the atmosphere than areas with low-growing plants and offer habitats for small mammals and deer. Because of this, Lew and John take great care in maintaining the ROWs, balancing nature and technology.

“We don’t run a scorched earth program,” Lew explained. “We don’t just mow or spray everything. Instead, we selectively target only what could interfere with the power lines, leaving grasses, plants, small shrubs, and yes, even Christmas trees! This approach creates a rich and varied environment with new growth that benefits small mammals, insects, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.”

NYPA’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop with Christmas trees. In other efforts to green the state, NYPA’s 2025 Tree Power program recently delivered 1,650 trees to 49 low-cost energy and energy efficiency customers, bringing additional sustainability benefits to municipalities and state agencies throughout New York. This year marked the largest distribution since the program began in the late 1990s, offering incentives for plantings in disadvantaged areas. This contributes to Governor Hochul’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

NYPA’s Environmental Justice team also led a group of volunteers in a community tree planting event with the Town of Niagara on Nov. 3. Volunteers joined a landscaping vendor to plant 12 native trees adjacent to a town parking lot.

Through these initiatives, NYPA continues to demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement, ensuring that both present and future generations can enjoy a greener, more sustainable world.

John sees the Christmas tree farm as another example of how NYPA strikes a balance with local landowners, letting them use the land for their needs while maintaining the integrity of the system. “It’s wonderful to know that the trees being cut down will be used to brighten local homes this season,” he said.

“This is one of the rewards for me as a forester,” John added. “It’s good to be able to find a way for these trees, once they’re cut down, to be used for something that the people in our community can use, enjoy, and appreciate. Any opportunity to do what we can for our neighbors is awesome.”

We’re focused on helping our customers move the clean energy needle,” said Alan, NYPA’s senior director of Research and Technology Development. “This is one of many alternative technologies being studied for energy storage and it shows great potential for locations that don’t have power easily available.”

NYPA funded the project and facilitated its implementation, working with the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the Campus Sustainability Office, and the Facilities and Campus Services Office to address state fire codes and ensure the system would be deployed safely.

Viridi, the system’s manufacturer, demonstrated the charging of an EV, a heater and a sound system. Student and faculty researchers advancing sustainable energy technologies also attended.

The MBESS employs Viridi’s proprietary lithium-ion battery technology, reducing potential fire risk, and is being explored as a quieter option, a flexible emergency power source, and a new standard for providing on-site power.

“The Viridi system relies on anti-propagation technology that makes lithium-ion battery energy storage systems inherently more fire safe,” said Steven, NYPA director, Research & Development. “This has the potential for greater deployment of the systems in ways and in locations that previously wouldn’t have been pursued.”

EPRI helped secure the approvals and permits to help smooth the adoption of the technology. Cornell faculty and students will examine how the technology can help reduce the environmental footprint of large universities in a cost-effective manner.

MBESS systems have emerged in recent years as a versatile option to provide a clean and quiet alternative to portable diesel fuel generation power. Unlike stationary storage systems, MBESS can be deployed to remote or temporary sites, providing power to an event or during an emergency for up to five hours. When not in use, Cornell’s MBESS will be parked at a charging center and connected to the grid.

“It’s less noise, less pollution, less gas and fueling – it’ll make everything easier,” said Juliet, facilities events and training manager at Cornell University.

The MBESS technology limits the consequences of thermal runaway – a process that leads to increasing temperatures and potentially fire – by preventing its propagation. Rather than stop the runaway, the new system confines it to the cellular level and reduces the risk of a fire.

Eilyan, an associate professor of electric and computer engineering, said the faculty were excited about the possibility of using the battery for additional research.

“It’s a challenge to integrate small resources into the grid,” he said. “We want to develop tools to take small batteries and groups of batteries and bid them into the wholesale electric market. This is one tool to continue development of that infrastructure.”

Teams from NYPA and New York State Parks Police recently recovered a 30-foot steel pontoon from the Niagara River. The pontoon was part of the Lake Erie-Niagara River ice boom and had become dislodged last winter, leaving it stuck among the rocks in the rapids above Niagara Falls.

The amount of water running over Niagara Falls is carefully controlled by the International Joint Commission to balance the joint interests of tourism, energy, shipping, and municipal water supplies. When a window of time opened with low water flows above the falls, crews assembled for the recovery operation, which involved a Parks Police team of swift water divers and a winch. After hours of planning, the recovery operation was completed in just a few hours.

“If the pontoon had become dislodged, it could have been damaged beyond repair and posed a safety issue for maritime traffic in the lower river. It is an important custom piece of equipment for the ice boom, so it is good to eliminate the hazard and return it to service,” explained Michael, a Niagara Civil Engineer and a member of the management team overseeing the recovery operation.

What is an Ice Boom?

Each winter since 1964, the ice boom, which is jointly owned by NYPA and Ontario Power Generation, has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. This helps to prevent ice build-up downstream at the water intakes of their hydroelectric projects. The 8,800-foot boom also lessens the probability of shoreline damage from ice blockage and damage to docks and shore structures.

Installation of the boom begins on or around Dec. 16, or when the water temperature at the Buffalo water intake reaches 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The boom’s removal begins on April 1, unless there is more than 250 square miles of ice on the lake east of Long Point. Use of the boom, which consists of twenty-two spans comprised of 10 pontoons anchored to the riverbed, is authorized by the International Joint Commission.

The work of installing and removing the ice boom—often under dangerous circumstances—is handled by a team of Niagara Power Project General Maintenance mechanics and operators.

The successful recovery of the dislodged pontoon highlights the dedication and expertise of the teams involved in maintaining the ice boom. This critical piece of equipment not only safeguards hydroelectric infrastructure but also protects the natural beauty and safety of the Niagara River and its surrounding areas.

ERGs offer valuable mentorship and professional growth opportunities. “You always owe it to the next generation to mentor them and help them to make the world a better place,” says Joanne, a director of corporate records at NYPA. Interestingly, the first ERG ever was founded in New York by Joseph Wilson while he was CEO of Xerox, in response to a 1964 race riot in Rochester. Wilson, along with Black employees, formed the group to combat discrimination and create a fair corporate environment where civil rights issues could be openly discussed.

At NYPA and Canals, ERGs similarly serve as place where employees with shared interests or life experience can converge and find avenues for support. These include veteran status, multigenerational workers, members of the LGBTQ+ community and more. These groups provide employees the opportunity to build community, grow professionally and learn from one another to apply practical insights to their own lives.

Our Veterans ERG in particular is a group dedicated to supporting military veterans within our organization and the broader American veteran community. The Veterans ERG has led efforts to foster camaraderie and provide tangible support to those who have served. Their efforts include participation in Hudson Valley Honor Flights, where members accompany older veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials and organizing in activities, like the group that marched in yesterday’s 2025 New York City Veterans Day parade.

Another recent and heartwarming example of the Veterans ERG’s impact is the support they provided to fellow employee Brendan, a load forecast analyst for NYPA who was deployed to Syria on duty. To ease Brendan’s time overseas, the Veterans ERG sent care packages filled with canned food and non-perishable items to Brendan and his unit. These gestures of support were deeply appreciated by Brendan and his fellow soldiers, who often faced long hours and limited food options.

Upon his return to NYPA, Brendan had the opportunity to express his gratitude. At an employee meeting, Brendan presented the Veterans ERG with an American flag that had flown our organization’s honor at the Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria.

“I know the effort that NYPA made to send that package over,” Brendan said. “When we were working long hours and there weren’t a lot of food options, having those canned goods really went a long way. This was my way of showing gratitude.”

Brendan’s experience underscores the sense of community and support that our ERGs provide. Whether through mentorship, professional growth opportunities or tangible acts of kindness, they play a crucial role in fostering a culture where everyone belongs and contributes.

As Brendan aptly put it, “I felt very proud. And it really made me appreciate the team. It’s a reminder that we have a good community going here.”

Our ERGs cover a wide range of topics, interests and life experiences, from the Eco Team’s sustainability initiatives to the Pride in Power Allyship group’s efforts in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion, and more. Each ERG offers something unique and meaningful, encouraging all employees to attend meetings and events to listen, learn and be allies.

• ABLE (Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations) - The ABLE ERG promotes awareness, understanding, and acceptance of neurological differences and disabilities, and to advocate for policies and practices that support all employees

• Eco Team - The Eco Team drives awareness of the benefits of sustainability through educational seminars, personal development, consumer choice and the EcoCinema film series.

• Generations - Generations provides engagement opportunities to help build relationships across different generations of employees.

• Multicultural - Multicultural focuses on creating an inclusive, diverse environment that welcomes, respects, develops and leverages our individual differences as a competitive strength.

• Pride in Power Allyship - Pride in Power Allyship (PIPA) is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive work environment and is open to all employees who identify as LGBTQ+ or their allies.

• Veterans -Veterans provides employees who served in the Armed Forces, and their allies, with a network of peer support and targeted professional and personal development opportunities.

• Women in Power - Women in Power (WIP) develops leadership skills that enable women employees to achieve their maximum potential in a diverse, inclusive and challenging work environment.

As our organization moves forward, the expansion of ERG offerings promises even more opportunities for employees to connect, learn and grow together. By participating in ERGs, NYPA and Canals employees can gain new insights, build meaningful relationships and contribute to a workplace culture that celebrates diversity.

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We’re beyond grateful for the hundreds of employees across Canals and NYPA who keep our canals flowing smoothly. Maintaining and operating these iconic waterways is hard work, and these folks connect our communities every day.

This year was one for the history books! Our Erie Canal bicentennial commemoration season was a blast, filled with epic events and incredible community love.

Check out our video recap above (and some below!) that’s sure to make you smile. Dive in and relive the highlights with us! Thanks for being part of our journey.

Culminating Bicentennial Ceremony
On October 26, the Erie Canal reached a milestone 200 years in the making—and what a commemoration it was! Governor Kathy Hochul, Canal Corporation leadership, and hundreds of well-wishers gathered at Pier 26 in New York City to welcome the replica Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief as it completed its historic journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor after its 33-day journey.

The arrival of the Seneca Chief recreated Governor DeWitt Clinton’s original 1825 voyage, but this time with an eye firmly fixed on the future. After making 28 stops along the Erie Canal and Hudson River since departing Buffalo on September 24, the boat’s arrival symbolized more than a look back—it marked our passage into the Canal’s third century of operation.

In a moment that bridged past and present, the Governor was introduced by 15-year-old DeWitt Silber—the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of DeWitt Clinton himself. Talk about a full-circle moment!

Here are a few other highlights of our bicentennial season:

• Honoring the Past, Planting the Future: Throughout the Seneca Chief‘s 28-stop journey, Eastern White Pine trees were planted at each location—a powerful symbol of both the Haudenosaunee people’s strength and a commitment to the Canal’s sustainable future, acknowledging our More Voices initiative.

  

• A Year to Remember: The NYC celebration was the capstone to a year of events, from September’s World Canals Conference in Buffalo to WMHT’s Reflections on the Erie Canal documentary. Plus, another iconic NY landmark—Niagara Falls—was lit up in blue and yellow to recognize the Erie Canal bicentennial.

  

• Third Century, Here We Come! As we sail into our third century, the focus shifts to the recently published Canal Recreationway 2050 Plan, which will guide our work to build a more resilient, accessible, and innovative waterway for generations to come.

To cap off the Bicentennial celebrations in New York City, the Canal Corporation and the New York State Archives Partnership Trust co-hosted a special discussion at the historic Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College.

Following a welcome from First Gentleman William J. Hochul, Jr., panelists Dr. Jennifer Burns, Brad L. Utter and Mitchell L. Moss explored the Canal’s profound impact on the growth of the city and the nation.

Thank you to everyone who made this bicentennial year so special.

Here’s to the next 200 years!

Rafael’s story is inspiring, and also serves as a blueprint for others. Through NYPA’s Environmental Justice internship program, students like Rafael gain more than classroom knowledge. They receive real-world experience, dedicated mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for growth. A combination that transforms potential into purpose. This model aligns directly with NYPA’s VISION2030 Renewed, our strategic roadmap to deliver affordability, reliability, and equity across New York’s energy system.

What made Rafael’s internship unique at NYPA? Like any strong internship, Rafael’s began with safety briefings, project scoping, and clear expectations. But unlike many internships, his work had immediate community impact. He translated his work into actionable insights, learned how to brief decision-makers, and connected technical findings to real-world benefits. This is the kind of workforce muscle New York State needs as electrification accelerates, and grid complexity grows.

What Rafael’s NYPA Internship Journey Reveals

• Place Matters: Internships are prioritized near NYPA assets and projects, so students learn on the systems that power their own neighborhoods.

• Skills Are Stackable: Students build data literacy, safety culture, and stakeholder communication skills that transfer across public and private sectors.

• Equity Is Measurable: Outreach focuses on historically disadvantaged communities, with clear checkpoints like internship completion, credential attainment, and job or education.

A Real-World Use Case

In one recent summer internship cohort at the Niagara Power Project, interns analyzed energy-use patterns in NYPA facilities. They flagged opportunities for efficiency, drafted briefs, reviewed them with mentors, and presented them to partners who acted on the insights.

It’s a modest task with a powerful loop: data → insight → action. Students see their work come to life. Communities see government deliver. Lawmakers see a replicable model with visible benefits.

The Flywheel Effect

Rafael’s evolution from intern to mentor is the compounding effect we’re after. When our internship alumni can coach new students in safety, presentation skills, and professional norms, momentum builds, and community trust deepens.

This flywheel effect of experience, mentorship, and measurable results is how New York can meet rising energy demand without compromising affordability or reliability. It’s how we ensure the benefits of decarbonization are shared broadly, not captured narrowly.

A Call to Action

NYPA’s efforts to create internship opportunities for students are critical components for the energy transition. Programs like the Environmental Justice internship, paired with NYPA’s VISION2030 Renewed, let us demonstrate value in real time:

• Paid internships today

• Apprenticeships and degrees tomorrow

• A diverse, job-ready talent pool that keeps the lights on and bills manageable

Rafael’s story reminds us: the most resilient infrastructure we can build is human. Let’s turn more internships into impact, together!

Want to bring this pathway to more students in your area or scale an existing program? Invite NYPA to brief your team. We’ll map local hiring needs to credentials, outline a paid internship cohort, set shared metrics that make progress visible to your community. Click here to learn more!

Five electric buses and several paratransit vehicles operate out of the upgraded Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) garage and the new systems will allow the agency to further grow its electric bus fleet.

A group of planning committee members taking part in the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions’ Conference on the Environment took a field trip to the site Saturday. They learned from NYPA and UCAT representatives about the innovative retrofit of the bus garage from grant funding and engineering support to the design, construction and commissioning.

“This project demonstrates how early planning and close collaboration with the customer and service providers can result in a well-engineered, multi-system project that incorporates onsite renewables (rooftop solar system) and resilience via a back-up generator to support the infrastructure needed to charge the electric buses,” said Hugo, the eMobility engineer who co-led the NYPA-managed project.

Three chargers were originally planned but the county expressed additional sustainability goals for onsite renewables and resiliency so the project was expanded and rooftop solar was added, Hugo said. Utility service was upgraded and the project was “futureproofed” to accommodate additional buses and chargers (both fast charge and Level 2). The system can also be used to charge light duty vehicles.

After a five-year partnership, the most recent phase of construction resulted in a new 480-panel rooftop solar system atop the main building and garage of the Kingston depot. The system is generating 204 kW of renewable electricity to power daytime electric bus charging. An upgraded 400 kW back-up generator is now available in case of power outages.

Inside, 12 DC (Level 3) fast charging stations and four dual Level 2 chargers have been installed. The system was supported by NYSERDA, Department of Environmental Conservation, Dormitory Authority and the EV Make Ready program.

UCAT was recently honored with the Transportation Electrification Progress Award at NYPA’s Customer Energy Conference in Albany.

“UCAT has led the way in sustainable transportation in New York State, committed to reducing its carbon footprint and operational costs through fleet electrification and deployment of onsite renewable energy,” said Kristen with NYPA’s Customer Solutions team.

A similar fleet project is in the works for Broome County, which just announced its first fleet of electric buses. Its second phase will include rooftop solar as well as energy storage.

A paragraph was updated 11/5/25 to reference a recent award.

The REACH program, approved by the Public Service Commission in Oct. 2024, will benefit low-income New Yorkers that live in disadvantaged communities by using renewable generation from distributed energy sources in their communities or from large-scale renewable projects located throughout the state’s electric power grid. Like the Statewide Solar for All Program, REACH will allow electric utilities to receive funds from the Power Authority to credit the electric bills of low-income ratepayers in disadvantaged communities. The bill credits will be funded from a portion of revenues from renewable energy generation projects developed by the Power Authority, designated for REACH.

The RFA calls for industry developers, storage companies, and other collaborators to voluntarily contribute to the REACH program. Through these contributions interested parties can make commitments to support disadvantaged communities in their renewable energy certificate or storage credit agreements.

“Affordability is a growing concern for New Yorkers, and by opening up the REACH program to private-sector contributors, the Power Authority can expand New York State’s assistance to those in need of utility bill relief,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “NYPA is hard at work advancing renewable energy projects like the North Albany Solar project and others that will support the REACH program; now we are seeking the help of developers to help make REACH even more impactful.”

In April, Governor Hochul announced the first renewable energy project participating in the REACH program. The project, a 1.5-megawatt solar energy system at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park will be co-developed by the Power Authority and the City of Albany. The ground-mounted solar project is estimated to come online in 2027.

Chris Hutson, NYPA Senior Vice President of Development, who was on site back in April had this to say, “NYPA is very proud of our REACH program and the benefits it will bring to low-income New Yorkers,” said “With this RFA we will be joined by like-minded developers and contributors to make the REACH program a success for years and decades to come. In April, I was pleased to be present to announce the first REACH project to be developed by NYPA, the North Albany Landfill project. As we build projects outlined in our Renewables Strategic Plan, we’ll identify more REACH projects that will help make utility bills more affordable.”

Those interested in responding are encouraged to fill out this application. Applicants can review the RFA and related materials on the Power Authority’s webpage. Questions can be directed to: reach@nypa.gov.

NYPA Renewables: Progress to Date

The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized and directed NYPA to advance renewable energy development, building on the Power Authority’s existing efforts to provide reliable, affordable and clean power and expand New York’s transmission system.

Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, the Power Authority has made significant progress, including establishing new business structures, filling key roles, making regulatory filings, securing tax rulings, and advancing initial projects. NYPA issued a $100 million bond issuance for new renewables and established a new renewables subsidiary, New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

In September, Governor Hochul announced $200 million in State budget funding that will be directed to the Power Authority to accelerate renewables deployment. The funds will reduce ratepayer costs as NYPA continues to build projects that will strengthen New York’s grid with diversified generation resources.

NYPA recently published a draft of its Updated Renewables Strategic Plan, which details the Power Authority’s efforts to develop, own and operate renewable generation and energy storage projects to improve the reliability and resiliency of New York’s grid.

The draft updated plan details 64 potential clean energy projects and portfolios representing nearly seven gigawatts of capacity. NYPA held two virtual public hearings and a 45-day public comment period associated with the plan that ended on Sept. 12. More than 6,000 comments were received and reviewed, and the Power Authority’s Board of Trustees will hold a vote on the draft updated plan in December.

That is why NYPA is partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices–Mohawk Valley, the regional clean energy hub supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The Energy Education and Weatherization Workshop will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cornhill Empowerment Center, 230 James St, Utica, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Attendees are welcome to begin arriving at 5:30 p.m.

The event will offer an intergenerational workshop that includes a free meal and a free energy conservation kit for all attendees. Bring the whole family to learn simple, no-cost ways to conserve energy and lower utility bills.

Kids will enjoy their own fun and an engaging energy-themed activity – and the family will have much to talk about on the way home.

“You don’t have to be a contractor to see significant savings if you use do-it-yourself methods in energy efficiency,” said Matt with NYPA’s environmental justice team, which manages the program. “There are many actions a family can take to reduce bills without compromising comfort or safety, and we hope participants will take home what they learn to share with their friends and neighbors.”

This is one of many programs scheduled around the state to bring to light techniques that NYPA uses for many of its government and business customers – reduce the need for fossil fuels and other energy resources by promoting energy efficiency. The goal is for families to better understand the biggest energy consumers in their homes and apartments and identify ways to reduce their bills, Matt said.

Brittany Amore, co-director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, said, “At CCE Oneida we believe energy education is a powerful tool for all ages strengthening families and communities. Workshops like this give people real, practical ways to save money and stay comfortable at home. We hope anyone who attends this workshop feels empowered to make changes at home and improve their energy efficiency.”

Participants will receive a free take-home kit with the following items:

• Squeeze Tube Caulk

• Deluxe Shrink Wrap Window Kit

• Self-Adhesive Weather-strip Foam Tape

• LED Night Lights with Photocell

• Self-Adhesive Door Sweep

• Hot Water Gauge

• LED Light Bulb

• Bi Metal Refrigerator Freezer Thermometer

The workshop is one of the many education programs offered by NYPA’s environmental justice team, which also provides age-appropriate STEM for students in grades 3-12 and funds energy-related community projects. More than 100 adult weatherization workshops have taken place around New York State, and 25 more are planned before the end of the year.

NYPA takes pride in being a good neighbor and supporting the needs of the historically underserved and marginalized communities that host its facilities and assets.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices–Mohawk Valley provides information to individuals, small businesses, and affordable housing owners about ways to reduce energy use and how to make more informed energy decisions.

For more information on how to sign up for the Utica program or any others, please contact energyandenv@cornell.edu or call (315) 736-3394 x260.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is well known for its hydropower assets and the electricity they produce, but it is also one of New York’s most dynamic economic development engines.

By leveraging low-cost power allocations for associated job and capital investment commitments, the Power Authority has catalyzed $55 billion in spending and directly supports nearly 450,000 jobs throughout New York State.

Included among the awards is a nearly 4.2-megawatt low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation to Upstate Niagara that will support New York dairy farms and create 125 jobs. Upstate Niagara—a dairy cooperative comprised of approximately 260 dairy farms located in New York State—will build a $215 million, 165,000-square-foot expansion at its West Seneca facility to increase its manufacturing and storage capacity. The new space will help the cooperative meet its growing demand and streamline its yogurt and cottage cheese production processes. The expansion will lead to the creation of 125 jobs at the site, and the ensuing increase in production volume is expected to grow the number of dairy farm workers throughout the state.

New York Power Authority Chairman and Western New York resident John R. Koelmel said, “The low-cost hydropower allocation to Upstate Niagara will create 125 jobs and bolster New York’s dairy industry, which is the cornerstone of our state’s agricultural economy. The impact of Niagara hydropower allocations extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries, supporting vital sectors and strengthening communities across the region.”

Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for eligible companies located within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and in Chautauqua County.

Additionally, the NYPA board approved nearly $12 million in Power Proceeds funding that will be directed to four organizations—three in Western New York and one in Northern New York:

• Shea’s Performing Arts Center was awarded $7.5 million in Western New York Power Proceeds funding—the largest single award approved under the program—to support an ongoing $30 million renovation and restoration project at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. The project is a 24,000-square-foot vertical expansion that will address essential accessibility and capacity issues, supporting increased attendance.

• More than $2.3 million in Western New York Power Proceeds funding will support the Ralph C. Wilson Park Conservancy’s project with the City of Buffalo to redevelop Ralph Wilson Park, formerly known as LaSalle Park. The NYPA funds will support the construction of a $11.6 million, 10,000-square-foot multi-use space that will augment the $200 million redevelopment of the park. The new structure will include offices, storage spaces, public restrooms, and a maintenance facility. The new space will serve as a base for the conservancy’s operations, maintenance, security, administration and programming teams and feature a comfort station for park visitors.

• The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, a non-profit organization that operates the Buffalo Museum of Science located at Martin Luther King Jr. Park was awarded $562,000 in Power Proceeds funding to support a new, $2.8 million exhibit focused on the science of sport. The interactive exhibit will explore wellness, physics and psychology as they relate to various sports. The Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits are partnering with the museum on the project that aims to highlight STEM applications in sports industries.

• $1.5 million in Northern New York Power Proceeds funding was also awarded to the Vecino Group New York, a firm leading the Midtown Plaza redevelopment in downtown Canton. The funds will support a $7.5 million project to develop the Innovation Center, an entrepreneur accelerator that will be located on the first floor of the redeveloped plaza. The center will provide emerging entrepreneurs with end-to-end support to launch and grow new ventures in St. Lawrence County. The Innovation Center is expected to create 150 new jobs and grow the region’s gross domestic product by close to $7 million within five years. The NYPA funding will offset costs for machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, among other items.

NYPA Trustee and North Country Resident Cecily L. Morris said, “The development of the Innovation Center in Canton, supported by $1.5 million in NYPA Power Proceeds funding, is an important project that will drive economic growth and job creation in the North Country. Facilities like this are vital for fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring that our region remains competitive in New York’s dynamic economy.”

The NYPA funding awards are made possible through the Western New York and North New York Power Proceeds Funds, comprised of net earnings resulting from the sale of unused hydropower generated at the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project and stem from power proceeds legislation signed into law in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

As Drive Electric Month winds down, now is the perfect time to highlight the latest new EVolve NY installations as NYPA continues to raise awareness of the benefits of driving all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Visit one of the many community events around New York State and you’re likely to find an EVolve NY informational table staffed by one of our EV experts. You might even be able to participate in a Ride & Drive event and see what all the fuss is about. Check our Facebook page for a full list of events.

NYPA’s EVolve NY network encourages the adoption of EVs by making charging quick and easy! It has grown to 278 fast chargers across 65 sites, which means there’s a charger about every 50 miles along major highways and often in urban areas. And it only takes 20 minutes for most EVs to charge up.

“The Power Authority’s goal is to build out a reliable and high-power charging backbone for New York State, making sure all the gaps are filled in and drivers can easily power up when they travel long distance,” said Jim, eMobility project engineering manager. “We want people to be able to purchase an EV and not worry about where they’ll charge.”

A few recent highlights:

• LaGuardia Airport. A dozen chargers are coming this fall to the road exiting the passenger terminals. JFK already has ten of its own – with the highest usage of any site statewide.

• Long Island’s North Fork. Travelers to wine country on the North Fork of Long Island can now stop at the region’s first public high-powered hub. Because Long Island has more EVs than anywhere else in the state, the six-unit site on Main Road in Southold is likely to be popular.

• Adirondacks. The North Hudson site in the Adirondacks is the first to get a new canopy that protects drivers from inclement weather. Not only is this site off exit 29 on the Northway the largest between Albany and Canada, but it offers a seasonal café with Pakistani specialties and accommodates large vehicles and towing trailers.

• New York State Thruway region. Yet one more convenient stop is available along the Thruway corridor in the greater Albany area. The Grand Union Plaza near Exit 20 in Saugerties complements stations in Kingston, Rensselaer, Schodack, the Quackenbush city garage in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs and Moreau.

• Tourist Destinations. Strategically located sites make it easier to visit top tourist destinations such as Niagara Falls, the New York State Fair in Syracuse, the Finger Lakes, the Hamptons and the Hudson Valley.

EVolve NY is having its biggest year yet in 2025 – installing 14 sites (with 68 ports) so far. Most recently, Henrietta and Phelps near Rochester; Skaneateles and Camillus, west of Syracuse; and Findley Lake in Western New York have begun operating. A half-dozen more locations are in construction, including Afton, Alexandria Bay and several in New York City. The tally is expected to reach 300 by the end of year.

“Physically building a charging site isn’t that difficult but getting to that point can be challenging, Jim said. It can take 13 months for the pre-development work needed for each site, including design, permitting and securing power from a utility.”

NYPA’s network has seen significant year-over-year gains in usage – with 50% port growth and a 45 percent increase in dispensed energy from January – August 2024 to January – August 2025.

Electric vehicles, which produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional gas vehicles, continue to grow in demand across New York State and the U.S. In 2024, New York saw a 14 percent increase in new EV registrations, bringing the total number of EV drivers to more than 271,000 at the start of 2025, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. A federal tax credit expires this week but New York continues to encourage growth by offering up to $2,000 as a rebate on new car purchases or leases.

Visit EVolve NY for fast charger FAQ and a map of locations.

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At the New York Power Authority (NYPA), Danielle plays a pivotal role in rehabilitating critical infrastructure and managing major projects. Now serving as the Resident Construction Manager at the Niagara Power Project, she continues to inspire and lead with her dedication to engineering excellence and community outreach.

Tell us about your background and how you came to NYPA.

I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from the University of Buffalo and obtained my Professional Engineering certification in New York State. I spent 12 years at an engineering design and consulting firm in Buffalo, progressing from engineer to project manager, focusing on structural analysis, facility assessments, and bridge inspections.

I joined NYPA in 2019 as a civil structural engineer, supporting the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and serving as the on-site dam safety coordinator. A little over a year ago, I started my current role as Resident Construction Manager.

What interested you about working at NYPA?
I always found the Power Authority fascinating, especially from my experience working on NYPA projects at a consulting firm. Seeing NYPA's assets and being on-site for investigations, I viewed it as an engineering marvel.

Upon joining NYPA, I initially focused on maintenance but was eager to get involved in capital projects. My desire to learn about power generation and transmission ignited my interest in the field of construction management at NYPA.

What are some key projects that you’ve worked on?
During my time in General Maintenance, I focused on rehabilitating critical aging infrastructure at the Robert Moses and Pump Plant, including a project to repair degraded expansion joints on the generator decks to prevent water infiltration. I managed the design, bidding, and contractor oversight for these repairs.

I also oversaw the design and construction of a new secondary relay room in the switchyard and renovated the women's locker room at the Lewiston Pump Generating Plant to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In my current role in construction management, I've been working on significant projects like NextGen Niagara Unit 6 and the Switchyard Life Extension Module project.

What have been some challenges that your new role has presented?
This is my first experience as a manager with direct reports, and the biggest challenge has been managing and motivating people. The technical aspects can be learned, but inspiring my team to give their best every day is crucial.

NYPA’s management development programs have equipped me with tools to understand the personalities and work styles of my team and allows me to adapt my management approach to everyone. It has also helped me effectively communicate and motivate my team to be successful and enthusiastic about their work.

Speaking of challenges, you are the first woman Resident Construction Manager in Western New York. What hurdles did you have to overcome during your career?

I’ve sometimes felt the need to prove myself, especially among male colleagues and contractors. To address this, I ensure that I have a deep understanding of the technical details, which enables me to communicate confidently and offer effective solutions. Being a subject matter expert gives me the confidence to speak up and engage actively, rather than shying away.

What have been some memorable moments during your time at NYPA?
In 2019, I joined a site tour with several interns and walked down to the Robert Moses Power Plant. Seeing the enormity and scale of the facility was truly awe-inspiring. The engineering marvel of constructing it in just three years hit me, and I felt honored to be part of this history and help preserve these assets for years to come. It was a realization that I get to work here, something not everyone gets to experience.

As someone who occasionally had to overcome certain stigmas or stereotypes, how have you used your position as a means of giving back?
I’ve led the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program, where we welcome interns from underserved communities to the Niagara Power Project. I’ve answered questions and shared my career path to inspire them to pursue engineering jobs.

Additionally, during my time in General Maintenance, I mentored two interns, sharing the challenges faced as a woman in engineering and providing them with guidance and knowledge. I’m proud to be part of NYPA's outreach efforts.

What advice would you have for someone embarking on this career path?
Take every opportunity to get involved in the industry and community—whether it’s engineering or construction. Make connections, ask questions, attend seminars, and join professional societies. Also, take any chance to get out in the field and gain firsthand experience.

You can only learn so much from books; real-world experience teaches you the details and decision-making skills that make a good engineer. In the field, you'll encounter challenges that don't appear in theoretical scenarios, and learning from these instances is invaluable for becoming a skilled engineer and construction manager.

With those potential benefits in mind, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is joining the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI) Flexible Interoperable Technologies Initiative (also known as FLEXIT), for a deep-dive into VPP models and operating scenarios.

This initiative will strive to better understand how to cost-efficiently help decarbonize the grid and provide other benefits to consumers and the utility industry, such as:

• ways to enhance grid flexibility in support of a cleaner, more reliable energy future

• how to increase the range of opportunities for customer participation and choice

• increased awareness and understanding of the types of distributed energy resources (DER) and various models of available VPPs

FLEXIT includes more than two dozen initial members representing 45% of U.S. electricity customers. More than 40 leading technology providers are also involved, including DER manufacturers, aggregators, and providers of management systems.

Click here to learn more.