Assemblyman Hevesi (D-Queens) announced today that the Assembly passed legislation to extend the Power for Jobs program for one year. Power for Jobs provides low-cost energy to job-creating businesses and not-for-profit organizations across New York State (A.9254). In addition, the Assembly introduced a companion bill requiring the New York Power Authority to provide $30 million of low-cost power to ensure the program is adequately funded (A.9255).

“This program is essential to New York’s economic development efforts,” Hevesi said. “By providing low-cost power to employers, Power for Jobs enables them to better compete in today’s marketplace by affording them relief from the high energy costs that plague our state.”

Through this legislation, companies can either buy low-cost energy through the New York Power Authority or receive a rebate on their energy costs from the authority. These job-creating businesses will save up to $200 million on their energy bills.

“The one-year extension – the result of a compromise with the state Senate and governor – will let businesses in the program know they can count on low-cost energy for another 12 months,” Hevesi said. “These businesses need greater certainty. I urge both the Senate and governor to join the Assembly in adopting a long-term extension that includes reform for the Power for Jobs program and maintains appropriate benefit levels in a multi-year program.”

The Assembly also has a plan that provides a three-year Power for Jobs extension, and establishes a comprehensive state energy plan to reduce energy costs and reduce New York’s dependence on foreign oil (A.8940).

Other highlights of the bill include:

• reestablishing the State Energy Office to provide leadership on increasing energy efficiency;
• essential reforms at the Long Island Power Authority including re-creating an elected board of trustees and requiring input and assistance by the Public Service Commission on LIPA’s operations, costs and rates;
• establishing ‘facilities of refuge’ in every county which use clean and advanced energy technologies to provide power and shelter in emergencies; and
• expanding support for low-income weatherization.

These bills promote a thorough energy policy aimed at securing a reliable source of clean, safe and affordable energy for New York.