The continuing power failure

   The beef: Not enough low-cost electricity generated at the Niagara Power Project remains in Western New York.

   The opportunity: About 15 percent of the plant's power is up for grabs this summer, the first time in years, perhaps decades, that so much of the facility's dirt-cheap electricity has been in play.

   The reality: Local officials, starting with the delegation that represents Western New York in the state Legislature, are doing little to seize the opportunity.

   My story in today's Buffalo News details the problem. Read the story. The upshot is that this community's leadership is once again failing to rise to the occasion.  I focus on the local delegation, but the problem is wider. As a community, we have not prepared for this opportunity. We did the same thing during relicensing. 

   Will yet another opportunity pass us by?

   

Comments

[lapi]

The URL for the article is no longer active. In lieu of reading it, I have a few questions. (1) Why is so much energy available now (and why summer)? (2) Does NYPA/ the Project have in place any affirmative action policies for allocating power either to individuals or businesses? (3) Was this scenario (power up for grabs) addressed in the recent settlements and or license renewal?

any insight is much appreciated. thanks!

[BobbyCat]

Your story mentioned that the WNY delegation wasn't doing enough to keep our share of the 'loose juice' but you didn't name names. Sam Hoyt was 'hopeful' that something will be done but 'hopeful' doesn't cut it. And what of the other legislators? We need to hear their pathetic excuses as well. Did you call their offices more than once? And if Spitzer's representative - Steve Mitnick, continues to refuse to be interviewed - try calling him 20 times. If he still doesn't budge, publish his picture in the NEWS along with his phone number. Western New Yorkers deserve to hear from him. We have grown accustomed to being ignored by our own WNY legislators and NYS officials in general. Maybe its time for these guys to get 100 phone calls, or a thousand, or some whipped cream pies in their faces? Is that what it will take to get their attention and some respect for this region?