News Archive Article

Kessel named to head New York Power Authority

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - He's baaack!

Less than a year after being replaced as chief executive of the Long Island Power Authority, Richard Kessel resurfaced in a larger role: president and chief executive of the New York Power Authority.

The board of NYPA, the country's largest state-owned electric utility, approved Kessel's appointment to the $240,000-a-year job at a meeting. The salary is subject to approval by the board's compensation committee, and Kessel is due to start work Oct. 14.

A source said he had the strong backing of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), who couldn't be reached for comment.

Kessel, who oversaw the Long Island regional transmission system and 100 employees for 10 years at LIPA, takes on NYPA's 1,400 miles of statewide transmission, 18 generating facilities and nearly 1,600 employees.

In an interview, he said his priorities include expanding the transmission system, cooperating with an attorney general probes of NYPA, and bolstering renewable energy. He said he will emphasize the upstate region, where "NYPA has to go the extra mile to help the people and the economy."

Kessel was "thrilled" by LIPA's plans to explore a new wind farm with Con Edison, but said, "I think it was a mistake" to cancel the wind farm proposal he initiated off Jones Beach. He expressed hope that NYPA can work with LIPA on that and other projects.

On the NYPA probes, he said his aim is to "turn around" the utility's image by fully cooperating with the attorney general.

Gov. David A. Paterson said Kessel had the skills and an "effective grasp of the whole energy subject." But, he added, "Obviously, some of the other offices that Kessel's been affiliated with have been criticized for their activities, but I wasn't running those offices."

Related News

nuclear

'Net Zero' Emissions Targets Not Possible Without Multiple New Nuclear Power Stations, Say Industry Leaders

LONDON - Leading nuclear industry figures will today call for a major programme of new power stations to hit ambitious emissions reduction targets.

The 19th Nuclear Industry Association annual conference in London will highlight the need for a proven, dependable source of low carbon electricity generation alongside growth in weather-dependent solar and wind power.

Without this, they argue, the country risks embedding a major reliance on carbon-emitting gas fired power stations for generations to come.

Annual public opinion polling released today to coincide with the conference revealed 75% of the population want the UK Government to take more action to reduce CO2 emissions.

The…

READ MORE

'Unbelievably dangerous': NB Power sounds alarm on copper theft after vandalism, deaths

READ MORE

Why rolling back European electricity prices is tougher than appears

READ MORE

ieso control room

Ontario's electricity operator kept quiet about phantom demand that cost customers millions

READ MORE

substation attack

Neo-Nazi, woman accused of plotting 'hate-fueled attacks' on power stations, federal complaint says

READ MORE