Families from across Long Island recently joined the New York Power Authority (NYPA) at the Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) for a high energy day of hands‑on discovery about New York’s clean energy future and the people who help power our communities.

At Energy Day, NYPA team members provided updates on major transmission projects through STEM fun. By engaging families and young learners at the LICM, NYPA highlighted the technology behind projects like the Propel NY Energy program and the Uniondale Hub Substation Upgrade Project. Both projects represent critical investments in Long Island’s future, ensuring power can move more efficiently across the state while supporting new generation and meeting growing demand.

“We’re grateful to NYPA for helping our visitors explore how energy powers their everyday lives while sparking curiosity about a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Nyrekia White, LICM’s Director of Advancement. “Partnerships like this expand LICM’s impact by making these important topics engaging, accessible, and relevant to children and families.”

Highlights from the Day

Days like Energy Day help kids connect science with everyday life—how the lights turn on, why charging stations matter, and the role clean energy plays in healthier communities.

Here are some highlights:

Discovering the Energy Xplorer

NYPA’s Energy Xplorer minivan greeted children and families in the museum courtyard. Developed by NYPA’s Environmental Justice Department, this state-of-the-art mobile learning exhibit brought clean energy technologies to life for everyone who stepped inside.

Matt Caruso, EJ Program Manager, outside the Energy Explorer

Through interactive stations and hands-on activities, the Energy Xplorer bus advances energy literacy and delivers high-quality education directly to community residents—wherever they live.

Going to Efficiency School with EnergizeU

A crowd favorite, this circuit building workshop made electricity tangible—illustrating how power flows through homes and communities and why conservation matters. Designed for children 8+ with adult supervision, the session blended creativity and STEM, giving families a shared learning moment they could take home.

Tianna Tyler, EJ Program Manager, assists students with a hands-on energy activity

Back to the Lab with BioBus

The nonprofit mobile lab owned by BioBus, Inc rolled in with microscopes, materials, and mentorship, giving young scientists access to research tools and inquiry driven experiences.

With a focus on students traditionally excluded from scientific pathways, BioBus opened doors to STEM thinking and future careers.

Students and discover what’s under the microscope!

Charging Ahead: E‑Mobility in Action

NYPA’s EVolve NY program—the nation’s largest public-power charging network—has installed approximately 330 high-speed public EV chargers, spaced about every 50 miles, making electric driving simpler and more accessible across the state.

Across Long Island, NYPA’s eMobility team has installed five EVolve NY charging locations—Southold, Bridgehampton, Riverhead, Commack, and Copiague—offering 22 total charging ports.

Families got more than a peek under the hood: visitors received hands-on access to a NYPA electric vehicle, parked outside the museum entrance.

Energizing the Future

From renewable energy and the electric grid to EVs and charging, the museum transformed into an interactive classroom where curiosity took the lead—and kids left with coloring books, new knowledge, and big inspiration.

Smart Path Connect—a multi-year effort to modernize one of New York’s most important transmission corridors—is officially energized. For anyone who works in energy or infrastructure or simply appreciates big projects that make it across the finish line, it’s a moment worth noticing.

Bringing Smart Path Connect to Life

Smart Path Connect is a 100-mile steel spine linking the North Country to the Mohawk Valley. The project, a collaboration with National Grid, runs 45 miles east from Massena to Clinton County and 55 miles south from Croghan to Marcy, replacing infrastructure that had quietly and ruggedly served the state since the Eisenhower era.

The original line stood on wooden poles for more than 70 years. Now, modern steel towers anchor nearly 200 miles of upgraded transmission when combined with NYPA’s earlier Smart Path project, completed in 2023.

“It’s one of the most significant transmission upgrades New York has seen in decades,” NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll told a crowd at Marcy’s Clark Energy Center, where the teams gathered on June 22 to celebrate the completion and energization of the southern portion of the project. “We’re enabling up to a gigawatt of renewable power to flow across the state.”

That’s one gigawatt, or 1,000 MW, of clean energy moving from where it’s generated, including clean hydropower from NYPA’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project, to where New Yorkers need it, as directed by the grid operator.

A few days later in Massena, the celebration continued near the northern portion of the project. On Haverstock Road, local leaders, union members and NYPA and National Grid teams gathered at the project’s largest new substation for a closer look at the state’s newest grid backbone. The towers, shiny and new, reflected the scale of what collaboration, engineering and determination can accomplish.

“This project has been years in the making,” said Trish Lombardi, NYPA’s senior vice president of project delivery. “From early development through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, it took incredible coordination and dedication. Today is an exciting moment for everyone involved.”

A Digital Leap Forward

Smart Path Connect is the first NYPA-built transmission line with fully digital substations. In a sector where equipment often lasts 50 years, that’s a major shift.

Kyle Murray, a senior construction engineer on the NYPA project team, put it simply: “Digital substations improve reliability, enhance safety and allow for more real-time monitoring and remote operation. Operators now have faster, clearer insight into how the system is performing.”

This is what a modern grid looks like.

Northern New York has long been a power hub. NYPA’s first asset—the Moses-Adirondack line, subsequently becoming part of Smart Path—was originally built by the Department of Defense in 1942 and transferred to NYPA in the early 1950s. The region’s clean, affordable power has been essential for New York for decades. Smart Path Connect strengthens that legacy as the next phase of the corridor.

Boosting Reliability and Regional Growth

At the Massena luncheon, President Driscoll underscored the project’s impact: “Because of your work, New York now has nearly 200 miles of modernized transmission capable of moving a gigawatt of renewable energy across the state.”

Local leaders highlighted the economic benefits. Assemblyman Scott Gray called Smart Path Connect “a major win for the region,” noting that the added capacity positions the North Country as a true energy hub capable of attracting businesses and expanding opportunity.

“We know how to generate power in the North Country,” Gray said. “Now we’re enhancing our ability to transmit it.”

Lombardi emphasized the statewide teamwork behind the project: “From landowners and local officials to our construction teams and partners, it took everyone working together to make this happen.”

What’s Next for New York’s Clean Energy Grid

NYPA’s investment in strengthening New York’s electric grid will continue. Building on the momentum of Smart Path and Smart Path Connect, the Power Authority is advancing Propel NY Energy, a transmission initiative designed to expand grid capacity and move energy to and from Long Island and the Bronx, Queens and Westchester County. NYPA is also helping to integrate more clean energy and bolster the transmission system across the state through interconnection work. This includes working to connect the recently energized Champlain Hudson Power Express, a transmission project carrying clean hydropower from Canada to New York City to help reduce emissions and bolster grid reliability.

Together, these efforts form a modern, resilient clean-energy backbone designed to serve New Yorkers for decades.

With Smart Path Connect now fully energized, the new 50- to 190-foot towers stretching across the landscape are more than engineering achievements—they’re visible signs of a clean-energy future taking shape in real time.

Imagine a future where butterflies no longer exist, or where children can’t smell flowers anymore. This would be our future without pollinators spaces. We need bees, butterflies, and songbirds to power our new generations.

Thankfully local children in Utica don’t have to imagine that world as the New York Energy Zone opened its second pollinator garden location on July 30.

The event, “Create and Cultivate,” engaged the community in a family friendly hands-on format. Families and children participated in educational scavenger hunts, an observational beehive and guided tours of the garden. NYPA staff highlighted the 667 native plants selected specifically to provide durable habitats for pollinators, songbirds and other wildlife. The tours were made accessible with an ASL interpreter, an ADA ramp, and sidewalks that allow access to the garden.

“Pollination is a critical ecosystem service responsible for the health and resilience of all ecosystems,” NYPA’s Sustainability Program Manager Cari Ficken, Ph.D. said during the opening remarks. “Native plants provide habitat, nectar, pollen, and other resources for important pollinators and other wildlife.”

Creating Relationships, Cultivating Expertise

Local adults and children also enjoyed hands-on crafts, including painting and planting flowerpots, planting native wildflower seeds, and pledging to protect pollinators by contributing to a community flower mural. Another craft station was hosted by Utica Creative Reuse, a local nonprofit that helps divert usable materials from the landfill and advance access to art education.

“Our free public events are centered on reuse, repair, and how art can raise awareness about the impact individual and collective actions can have on our environment,” said Executive Director Sarah Swann. “We are excited to participate in NYPA’s Create and Cultivate event to celebrate their new pollinator garden and the creation of a beautiful new space to learn and grow!”

“Create and Cultivate” was curated by three NYPA developmental interns that worked in different parts of the organization, each of whom played a key role in organizing this event.

Corporate Communications intern Kamryn Foley championed the incorporation of arts into the pollinator garden opening, knowing it would help reach and engage a wider audience. She drew on past experiences from her arts background and utilized learnings from arts-based Canals events to curate programming. Foley developed and executed all media related to event promotion and coverage.

Sustainability department intern Allison Cooper helped bring more attention to NYPA’s biodiversity efforts and engaged the community in its pollinator initiatives. She created materials to train the New York Energy Zone’s tour guides and educate visitors and community members about the biodiversity benefits of the garden.

Canals Public Engagement intern Sophia Styles ensured ADA accessibility, including the sourcing and hiring of an ASL interpreter to provide an inclusive experience. She also designed graphics for event signage and the scavenger hunt alongside Cooper.

Pollinating a Better Tomorrow

This new pollinator garden is a part of the Power Authority’s continuing commitment to environmental stewardship. The space aligns with New York State’s Pollinator Protection Plan, a statewide program launched in 2020. NYPA opened its first pollinator garden at the Niagara Power Vista and plans to establish another pollinator garden at Blenheim-Gilboa.  

With 100,000 acres of land owned or managed by NYPA and Canals. They have both integrate environmental stewardship into their operations into their daily operations. In addition to pollinator gardens, NYPA and Canals are creating new pollinator habitats across the state by managing our lands more sustainably. Whether that is from managing the vegetation under transmission lines to reduced mowing zones, piloting a forest health initiative that supports forest biodiversity is a priority. These and other land stewardship efforts help NYPA and Canals strengthen the ecological resilience of New York’s natural resources.

Safeguarding our environment for the future is no simple task. It will involve everyone’s help, from birds and bees to businesses and bureaucrats. However, if the smiles on the faces of those who attended are any indication, art can be a fun and engaging way for local residents, artists and non-profits to access the resources needed to bring a clean energy future that benefits everyone.

Just before breaking for summer, students at PS250 shared with school and community members their last batch of kale, basil and baby lettuce. from their hydroponic classroom. The harvest was a culmination of months of hard work and part of NYPA’s commitment to making environmental science and sustainability more accessible and tangible for students across New York.

The Green Classrooms Program educates young people about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and is geared to inspire them to develop an interest in and understanding of the environment and sustainable food production.

NYPA has supported the Green Classroom Program through its Environmental Justice department in partnership with NY Sun Works. In the last year, NYPA funded maintenance support for 20 schools, building on earlier years when it helped establish classrooms in more than 30 schools. This partnership reflects NYPAs ongoing commitment to expanding STEM learning opportunities and introducing students to technologies that support a cleaner, more resilient future. Most recently, NYPA expanded this effort in the Bronx by supporting the launch of hydroponic labs.

Hydroponic labs grow crops indoors using only water rather than soil, meaning plants can grow year-round in a controlled environment, with little maintenance required. This allows students to observe plant growth up-close and understand how food can be produced sustainably.

The hands-on experience reinforces lessons on the importance of climate-friendly technologies and healthy eating-- students tasting the produce that they themselves grew gives the learning added meaning.

Teachers involved with the program say that green classrooms do more than just educate on academic issues. The experience also benefits the student’s well-being and mental health. The harvesting of the plants adds a therapeutic element to the education. “When [the students] come in here, it’s such a calm and serene place that it just makes them feel happy and good all around,” said a teacher at PS250.

The Green Classroom Program complements NYPA’s broader community initiative, including recent environmental learning along the Long Island Sound. Whether caring for plants in a classroom or studying ecosystems along the shoreline, these programs help build early understanding of the issues shaping their communities and the planet.

NYPA recognizes that a stronger, sustainable New York starts with our young community members. Since 2023, our Environmental Justice team has invited Girl Scouts to learn how they can contribute to a sustainable future through the NYPA Girl Scout Patch.

Through this program, Girl Scouts are able earn a unique patch that signifies their accomplishments and the valuable knowledge they’ve gained in sustainability and energy learning. Since its inception, over 100 Girl Scouts have earned their NYPA patch. 

“The Girl Scouts STEM program is important to show girls what is possible: if they can see it, they can be it,” said Jackie. Jackie is a Project Engineer working in Energy Efficiency and a former Girl Scout STEM Program Manager. “Through these programs, girls are able to flex their STEM muscles and be creative at the same time, while learning how to use their voices to stand up for something they believe in,” said Jackie. 

To earn the patch, Girl Scouts must complete two activities that are rank-appropriate. Daisies and Brownies give presentations about electricity and can answer questions about renewable energy and its impact on the environment. The Juniors and Cadets learn about different engineering disciplines and learn how one day they can become an engineer! While the Senior and Ambassador rank present ways they can decrease simultaneous electrical demand in their homes. 

“Through the patch program and workshops, these young learners begin to understand where electricity comes from,” says Tianna, Environmental Justice Program Manager at NYPA. “They learn the importance of offering accessible energy education resources to the communities we serve and reinforces NYPA’s commitment to being a good neighbor. By fostering curiosity, building confidence and enhancing educational equity, we are helping to elevate STEM competency beyond the traditional classroom setting.” 

Providing supplemental, energy-focused and age-appropriate STEM experiences for students in grades 3-12 is just one of the many ways that NYPA staff are carrying through on unwavering commitment to supporting the diverse needs of the communities in which we operate and impact of our VISION2030 Renewed strategic plan. 

The patch program invites Girl Scouts to visit our Visitors Centers around the state to explore electricity though hands-on, interactive exhibits. While not a necessity to earn the patch, the Visitors Centers are one way for Scouts and their families to experience STEM and STEM careers. They are admission free and full of interactive learning for all ages!

Learn how your scout can earn the NYPA patch:or contact the Environmental Justice team at the Power Authority at Environmental.Justice@nypa.gov.

In honor of World Turtle Day on May 23, our social media featured one of the Canal Corporation’s most memorable ambassadors: Towie the Turtle.

Towie is an Eastern Box Turtle, a land‑dwelling species native to New York. She came to us after sustaining a shell injury that prevents her from returning to the wild. Instead, she’s become a vital part of our education outreach, helping visitors of all ages learn about local biodiversity, native species and the importance of protecting canal habitats. Towie receives daily care from Kate Littrell at NYPA, who helps ensure she remains healthy, active, and ready to meet the public.

Her unique “hinged” lower shell, which allows her to close herself up like a box, always fascinates people and sparks conversations about the wildlife that depend on healthy, connected habitats along our waterways.

Our teams and partners work year‑round to maintain healthy shorelines, monitor water quality, prevent the spread of invasive species, and support safe habitat for wildlife living in and around the Canal System. These efforts were also highlighted last week when DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Canal Corporation, State Parks, and SLELO PRISM at DEC’s boat launch in Verona to kick off boating season and remind boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

We also shared similar tips with the public on World Turtle Day, encouraging visitors to give wildlife plenty of space, pack out their trash, and take steps to protect our waterways from invasive species.

Thank you to all the employees whose stewardship efforts help ensure the Canal System remains a safe and thriving environment for people, turtles, and everything in between.

For many Long Islanders, the Sound is more than scenery—it’s a lifeline for our environment, our economy, and our way of life. That’s why a group of Uniondale High School students set out to explore its waters and learn how climate science and clean energy solutions can protect the place they call home.

Earlier this spring, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) awarded grant funding to the Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) to bring climate literacy programming directly into Uniondale High School classrooms. There, the Long Island students learned about how climate change affects their own community and the various clean energy solutions that are looking to address these challenges.

Last week, a cohort of 60 students had a chance to bring those lessons to life as they journeyed to the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay to explore the Long Island Sound. Students get the opportunity to go out on the Long Island Sound, learn about the local ecosystem, and try their hand at dredging, seining, and other interactive activities, says Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.

“This is especially meaningful since the majority of the students have yet to visit the Long Island Sound,” said Esposito. “Developing a relationship with our waterways is the best way to encourage students to fight to protect our environment in the future.”

Exploring the Sound—Science in Action

The day began with a safety briefing and an overview of activities before students split into two rotating groups. Each rotation offered a different window into the ecology of Long Island Sound and the impacts of climate change.

Students then boarded the Ida May, a replica of the first engine-powered oyster dredge built in 1925. After learning about the vessel’s history, students conducted water quality testing and participated in an authentic dredge operation. They identified species living in the Sound and discussed how changing environmental conditions may affect local marine life.

Along the shoreline, students took part in “Estuary Exploration,” examining the intertidal zone and its complex food webs. Activities included seining for schooling fish, studying invertebrate species, and conducting beach profile measurements to understand habitat dynamics.

A Meaningful Collaboration for Community Impact

This field trip represents the continued growth of the Future Stewards of the Sound program, which launched in the 2024-2025 school year by CCE, The Waterfront Center, and Uniondale High School. Although the school is located just 11 miles from Long Island Sound, many students had never visited it before. By offering both classroom instruction and immersive fieldwork at no cost to participants, the partnership ensures equitable access to environmental education for a school student community that is 99 percent minority and 62 percent economically disadvantaged.

“Working alongside Citizens Campaign for the Environment underscores how essential our local nonprofit partners are in advancing NYPA’s mission to support the diverse needs of our communities,” said NYPA Government and Community Relations Senior Director Theresa Santoro. “These organizations are trusted voices in their communities, and together we can reach students in meaningful, lasting ways. By bringing climate and clean energy education into Uniondale High School, we are empowering the next generation to shape New York’s clean energy future.”

Through its ongoing collaboration with CCE, NYPA continues to champion clean energy education across Long Island—demonstrating its commitment to uplifting communities, supporting STEM pathways, and preparing young people for the careers that will drive New York’s clean energy future.

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!