Highlights
- NYPA Funding to Support Seven Workforce Development Programs, Prepare Nearly 1,500 New Yorkers for Employment in State's Clean Energy Economy
- NYPA Board of Trustees Approves Additional $550,000 for Workforce Development Programs
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees yesterday (Oct 8) approved the release of $2.55 million in funding to seven community-based organizations that will implement clean energy industry workforce development initiatives throughout New York State. The funding stems from a NYPA commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget to support the efforts of the state's Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET). The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) established OJET last year to connect workers to opportunities for jobs in the clean energy economy through upskilling and training with a focus on serving those in under-resourced communities.
"The Power Authority is doing more than simply supplying workforce development programs with funding; it is full partner in the mission to provide New Yorkers with the training needed to succeed in the State's clean energy economy," said NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel. "As part of its commitment to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers for the clean energy industry, NYPA will continue to collaborate with local job training initiatives in communities across New York."
In May, the NYPA Trustees approved $2 million to support workforce development initiatives that provide employment training and employment opportunities for residents in disadvantaged communities located in the vicinity of NYPA power projects. The NYPA Trustees approved an additional $550,000 at their October meeting in furtherance of its commitment to create job opportunities in the clean energy field.
In this tranche of spending, $2.55 million will be allocated to seven firms that responded to a request for proposals issued by the Power Authority in July seeking partnership opportunities. As a result of this funding award, NYPA will be helping to provide support to nearly 1,500 New Yorkers in the form of employment training in the clean energy industry. The seven recipients are:
- ITEC Training & Education Center in Rochester
- NYC District Council of Carpenters Training Center in Manhattan
- The Resilience Education Training and Innovation Center in Brooklyn
- Soulful Synergy in Queens
- St. Nick's Alliance in Brooklyn
- United Way of Long Island in Deer Park
- Urban Green Council in Manhattan
NYPA will collaborate with the training providers to develop technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships and full-time jobs for people entering the workforce and advance training opportunities for those traditional utility workers to ensure that both new and current employees have the requisite skills and qualifications to participate in New York's clean energy field.
"The New York Power Authority funding awarded to these seven firms will support nearly 1,500 New Yorkers with upskilling and training for the clean energy jobs of tomorrow," said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "Just as NYPA is committed to securing and supporting a reliable supply of renewable energy for New Yorkers, it is also preparing New Yorkers for careers that will help the state achieve its climate action goals."
As part of its workforce development priorities, NYPA has already committed $12.65 million in funding to create, expand and support workforce training initiatives in partnership with local organizations and NYSDOL.
In addition to its new workforce training commitments, the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget provided NYPA with enhanced authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy generation and storage projects, either alone or in collaboration with other entities. Under the expanded authority, NYPA's projects will support the state's renewable energy goals in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electric power and energy in the state, and support the new Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, which will enable low-income and moderate-income electricity customers to receive bill credits through the production of renewable energy by NYPA. NYPA will publish its first biennial strategic plan for renewable energy development in January 2025.
To learn more about opportunities for clean energy jobs, upskilling, and training in your community, join the Office of Just Energy Transition's email list by signing up on OJET's webpage.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts - including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies - to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn
Contact: Media Inquiries | media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935
