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The Power Authority’s St. Lawrence–Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project in Massena produces some of North America’s cleanest and least expensive electricity for New York homes, farms and factories.
St. Lawrence–FDR, our first generating facility, is the U.S. portion of an international power project spanning New York’s border with Canada on the St. Lawrence River.
Since 1958, inexpensive power from St. Lawrence–FDR has been a mainstay of Northern New York’s economy, but the Power Authority has also provided an array of additional benefits—from nationally recognized energy services to conservation and recreational facilities and other community improvements—that have enriched the community’s quality of life in a variety of ways.
We are currently working to ensure continued efficient operation of the project through a 15-year, $281 million life extension and modernization program. And, with the issuance of a new 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, announced Oct. 22, 2003, we have begun to implement a variety of programs and projects that will benefit our North Country neighbors.
Economic Development Power Encourages Business Growth
Perhaps our most important contribution to the community is in the area of economic development and jobs. More than 60 percent of the St. Lawrence–FDR project’s electricity supplies Alcoa’s and General Motors Powertrain’s manufacturing facilities in Massena, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs. Low-cost power supplied by NYPA from other sources protects approximately 14,000 additional jobs at some 47 Northern New York companies. As an inducement to create more jobs, the Massena Economic Development Fund provides low-interest loans to businesses relocating to or expanding in the area. (Learn more about our economic development programs.)
Public Power Keeps Rates Low
By supplying low-cost electricity to municipally owned electric systems like the Massena Electric Department (MED) and selling power to upstate private utilities, which resell it without profit to their customers, the Power Authority helps keep electricity rates for residents and businesses in Northern New York among the lowest in the state and the nation.
Energy Efficiency
Our energy-efficiency projects at North Country schools and other government buildings save taxpayers close to $2 million a year and reduce pollution. Improvements have included heating, cooling and lighting upgrades at state offices like the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, energy-saving lighting at St. Lawrence County offices in Canton and the State University of New York at Potsdam, and even improved snowmaking capability at White Face Mountain. (Learn more about our energy-efficiency programs.)
Conservation and Recreation
On thousands of acres of parkland, on the waters of Lake St. Lawrence and in area communities, the varied conservation and recreational facilities provided by the Power Authority in connection with the St. Lawrence-FDR project have set the standard for hydroelectric development nationwide. Features include parks, beaches, boating facilities, campsites, scenic vistas and wildlife preserves.
With state-of-the-art exhibits on energy, electricity and the area’s history, the admission-free Frank S. McCullough, Jr. Hawkins Point Visitors Center and our former visitor center have attracted more than 5 million people. The center has also played an integral role in energy-education programs at area schools. Check our web calendar for community events near you.
