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President and CEO of New York Power Authority Visits MACNY

Media Release:

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY (NYPA) VISITS MACNY AND ADDRESSES MEMBERS

Syracuse, NY- On Thursday, January 14th, 2010, The Manufacturers Association (MACNY) held an Executive Speaker Series Event with Richard Kessel, President and CEO of New York Power Authority (NYPA). At this event Mr. Kessel addressed a group of MACNY member’s on energy issues, the economic development of Central New York and the challenges facing manufacturers. At this event MACNY members had the opportunity to ask Mr. Kessel questions and express any concerns they had.

Richard Kessel took office as president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority, the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, on October 14, 2008.

The Power Authority plays a key role in sustaining New York State’s economy. They provide the lowest-cost electricity in New York State, and are the only statewide electricity supplier.

NYPA power, generated at their own facilities or purchased from other sites, helps keep more than 400,000 jobs in New York State. More than 300,000 of those positions are linked to our Power for Jobs initiative along with another low-cost electricity program, called Energy Cost Savings Benefit. In July, Governor Paterson signed legislation to extend both programs, citing the millions of dollars in energy cost savings customers realize as a result.

Mr. Kessel, an expert on New York energy issues, served as chairman and chief executive officer of the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) from 1997 to 2006 and as chief executive officer in 2007. Prior to this, he served as LIPA chairman from 1989 to 1997. Mr. Kessel was responsible for several notable achievements during his tenure at LIPA.

Mr. Kessel helped negotiate LIPA’s acquisition of Long Island Lighting Company, which contributed to an immediate reduction in utility rates on Long Island. Mr. Kessel led the decommissioning of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant, the first closing of a commercial nuclear facility in the United States. Mr. Kessel received regional and national recognition for LIPA’s commitment to the next generation of clean energy technologies such as fuel cells and wind power.

Mr. Kessel began his career in public service as Executive Director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board from 1983 to 1995, where he successfully negotiated rate freeze agreements with Consolidated Edison, Niagara Mohawk, and Orange and Rockland Utilities. Mr. Kessel was a Professor of Consumer Studies at Five Towns College from 1995 to 1997. He also taught at Brooklyn College from 1975-1983.

Mr. Kessel attended Colgate University and then received a bachelor's degree from New York University and his master's degree from Columbia University.