POWER FOR JOBS - PHASE FOUR
In budget bills A.11006/S.1-B, Part KK (pages 160-167) to amend the
Public Authorities Law (as amended in chapter 316 of the laws of 1997
and chapter 386 of the laws of 1998), the new "Power for Jobs" program
is explained. The new program includes 300 megawatts of power.
The budget provides an outline for the funding and administration of
three hundred megawatts of power under "phase four" of the "Power for
Jobs" program. Half of the power is to be supplied by the Fitzpatrick
nuclear project.The other half of the power will be secured for the program
through "a competitive procurement process" from other providers of electricity.
Up to 75 megawatts of this power will be dedicated to small businesses
and not-for-profits. The power will be allocated in three phases in increments
of 100 megawatts. Allocations will take place prior to October 1, 2000,
February 1, 2001, and July 1, 2001.
The funding for the program is equally split between the New York Power
Authority (NYPA) and the recovery of the cost of power through §186-a
(Gross Receipts Tax). This is also explained as a "reduction of general
fund revenues" because it is GRT tax that is not realized by the State.
The total cost for the program is cited at $250 million. Business Council
members who have received power under the program should be aware of the
methods of notification and application for "phase four". The program
insures "written notification to each recipient of power allocated during
the first phase of the program". This provision insures that all businesses
who have received power under year one of the program will automatically
be notified that new power is available.
Also, "The board may prescribe a simplified form and content for applications
submitted by recipients of power allocated during the first phase of the
program who apply for allocations available during the fourth phase of
the program". This provision greatly reduces the paper work burden of
participating members who would like to continue in the "Power for Jobs"
program.
