If you need power, Niagara County has you covered! We use renewable electricity to assist growing companies. Whether it's hydroelectricity from the Niagara Power Project or financing for on-site renewable energy generation, we can help power your business affordably and sustainably.
Empower Niagara
The Niagara County Center for Economic Development serves as the administrative organization, on behalf of the Niagara County Legislature, to review and select businesses eligible for low cost power in Niagara County.
Qualifying criteria may include:
- Company must be located in Niagara County.
- Company must not already be a recipient of low-cost power through existing state programs, or receive a separate allocation during the term of the contract under the Empower Niagara program.
- Company is planning to acquire or expand an existing facility and/or add machinery and equipment that will increase electric demand.
- Project will create new electric demand (there must be at least 50kW of net new load).
- Project must result in the retention and/or creation of jobs.
- Proposed use of power results in economic benefit to Niagara County.
- Must complete project in 2 years, with construction beginning within year after application approval.
- Company must be willing to commit in writing to create and maintain jobs.
- Empower Niagara will strive to commit a power allocation for a period of at least three years.
Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis based on capital investment; number of jobs created and/or maintained; amount of net new load; and steps taken to reduce existing energy costs.
Download the Empower Niagara Application
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
Niagara County's Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE) helps property owners access capital for clean energy projects. Eligible investments include energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. The program, which is operated by Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC), provides a low cost, long-term alternative to traditional loans. PACE differs from traditional financing because:
- Financing is available for up to 100% of the project cost or can be combined with other financing
- Financing is available at competitive rates from EIC-approved private capital providers
- Loan terms are customizable up to the expected life of the improvements
- Financing can be used to retrofit existing facilities or for new construction
- Repayment is secured through a benefit assessment lien on the property
- Benefit assessment lien is subordinate to municipal taxes
- Financing automatically transfers to the new owner if the property is sold
To learn more about PACE financing, contact the Energy Improvement Corporation or download the PACE flyer.
New York Power Authority
Provides low-cost electricity under a variety of programs to companies that will commit to creating or retaining jobs in New York State. Click here for more information on all of the economic development programs available through NYPA.
Qualifying criteria may include:
- Company must be located in Niagara County.
- Company is planning to acquire or expand an existing facility or build a new facility.
- Project will create new electric demand (there must be at least 100kW of net new load).
- Project must result in the retention and/or creation of jobs.
- Proposed use of power results in economic benefit to Niagara County.
- Must complete project in 2 years, with construction beginning within year after application approval.
- Company must be willing to commit in writing to create and maintain jobs.
For more information, contact the Niagara County Center for Economic Development.
National Grid
Electricity distribution company for Niagara County (except Lockport) that provides assistance in obtaining electric service and incentive rates and site/building location assistance.
Go to www.shovelready.com for more information.
Featured Programs for Upstate New York Customers
LED Lighting: National Grid will cover up to 60% of the installation costs for indoor and outdoor LED upgrades at your small business.
Custom Projects: National Grid can help make custom lighting and refrigeration energy upgrades at your small business possible with installation discounts on select projects.
Learn more by calling 1-833-208-5960.
National Fuel
Provides natural gas to the western portion of Niagara County, including the City of Niagara Falls. Economic development staff is available to provide advice on sites, buildings, gas service, incentive rates, and technical assistance for HVAC and process equipment.
Go to www.natfuel.com for more information.
New York State Electric and Gas
Provides delivery of electricity, natural gas, and other essential services to the eastern portion of Niagara County, including the City of Lockport. Economic development program supports business retention, expansion, and attraction.
Go to www.nyseg.com for more information.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Provides incentives to offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements and promote the use of clean technology and renewable energy sources.
Go to www.nyserda.ny.gov for more information.