 |
For Immediate Release: 01/12/17
Contact: James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
16089/15-F-0040
January 12, 2017
|
State Siting Board OKs Plans to Improve Bethlehem Energy CenterAmendment includes Hardware and Software Upgrades |
|
ALBANY — The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment (Siting Board) today announced the approval of plans to make hardware and software changes at the Bethlehem Energy Center that are designed to help improve the plant’s energy efficiency. The petition was submitted by plant owner PSEG Power New York LLC. “To have this generating facility operate more efficiently, yet still meet all emissions and performance criteria, is clearly in the public interest,” said Siting Board Chair Audrey Zibelman. “The upgrades will allow the Bethlehem Energy Center to operate more efficiently, improving the facility’s productivity.”
The initial certificate authorized PSEG Power to construct and operate the Bethlehem Energy Center in the Town of Bethlehem, Albany County located at 380 River Road. The 750 megawatt dual-fuel fired electric generating facility commenced commercial operation on July 1, 2005.
The approved changes will allow for the replacement of certain components of the three combustion turbines at the Bethlehem Energy Center, and for certain changes to related software programs. The equipment being replaced are components of the combustion turbines themselves. The upgrades will result in very little, if any, impact on the environment or the surrounding community, and will not result in any increase in air emissions from the facility. The Siting Board finds that the proposed upgrades consisting of the replacement of existing parts with similar (but improved) parts and a software upgrade; will cause no increase in air emissions, water use, or waste generation; there will be no changes to the "footprint" or external structures that constitute the facility; and additional traffic associated with the upgrades will be limited. The only operational aspect of the proposed upgrades that required additional consideration is potential operational noise level increases due to the additional output of the facility.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 15-F-0040 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
|
|
|
###
|
|