*Applications are available in PDF format. Please print and complete the forms. They cannot be saved to file.

Energy Costs

Ask Us For an Estimate
Our Economic Development staff will work with you to better understand what your cost will be for electric and/or gas, based on your specific requirements. If you are located or locating in an Empire Zone, we will provide you an estimate and compare it to our standard tariff rates. Please use our Electric Estimate or Natural Gas Estimate forms to provide us a profile of your load and usage and we will provide you an energy bill estimate

Acquiring Energy
Natural Gas distribution service is abundant throughout New York State. We will provide you with a list of approved natural gas suppliers so that you may negotiate the best package for your business.

Niagara Mohawk or one of our subsidiaries will also provide you with an Energy Cost and Conservation analysis in your new location, Power Quality Services, Electro-Technology referrals, Research and Development Services.
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Empire Zone Rates
Niagara Mohawk offers businesses that locate or expand in a New York State Empire Zone up to ten years of deep discounts on increased electricity and natural gas consumption.

Empire Zone Rider electric rates depend on the customer's service classification, delivery voltage and energy use profile. These prices can represent discounts of up to 50% percent from standard rates.

The main components of the discounted Empire Zone Rider electric bill are:

• A standard monthly customer charge ranging from $19.13 for a small commercial customer and to $3,172 per month for a large industrial customer
• A transmission delivery charge—$1.89 per kW per month for demand metered customers.
• A cost-based distribution delivery charge ranging from $.00307 per kWh to $.00705 per kWh (less than 3/10 of a penny to approx. 7/10 of a penny), depending on service classification and delivery voltage. There is no distribution delivery charge for customers taking service at subtransmission or transmission voltage.
• An electricity supply (generation) charge, which is a simple "pass through" of electric generation costs. This generation charge is variable and can increase or decrease with the market price of electric generation.
  

The Empire Zone Rider gas program offers discounts that range from 3 to 5 cents per therm, depending on service classification and consumption.

After local and state certification, customers are eligible for a full ten years of benefits on qualifying usage; the ten-year term begins with the first discounted bill. In order to access the discounted Empire Zone Rider rates, customers must become certified and contact Niagara Mohawk within six months of locating or expanding in an EDZ.

All Empire Zone Rider discounts are applicable only to incremental (new to Niagara Mohawk), permanent electricity and gas load. New customers are eligible for discounts on their entire usage. Existing Niagara Mohawk customers must increase their usage in order receive discounts, as follows:

• Electric demand metered customers must increase their demand (kW) by the lesser of 100 kW or 25 percent of existing demand.
• Electric non-demand metered customers must increase their usage (kWh) by at least 25 percent.
• Existing natural gas customers must also exceed historical usage in order to qualify; small general service gas customers must exceed 280 therms per month
  

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Electric Pricing Discounts (SC-12)
This electric pricing program has greatly enhanced Niagara Mohawk's ability to help existing and prospective customers capitalize on business opportunities. SC-12 is an umbrella program that covers the full range of competitive situations, including business attraction, business expansion and customer retention.

SC-12 utilizes standardized discount schedules for customers who meet basic eligibility criteria. Generally, these discounts are administered as a 5-year, declining percentage discount to the energy (per kWh) charge. In addition, Niagara Mohawk has the ability to individually negotiate SC-12 terms and conditions outside this standard structure in special cases-generally, situations involving extremely energy intensive customers or extremely large employers.

Eligibility for SC-12 is generally limited to manufacturing and certain service sector businesses such as wholesale trade, warehousing/storage, professional/scientific/technical services, and administrative/support services. Customer eligibility is driven by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which is the new government standard for classifying businesses.
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SC-12 Growth Programs

• Business Attraction-This program offers discounts to prospective customers who are evaluating locations both inside and outside Niagara Mohawk's service territory. It is also open to new businesses considering a start-up of operations in the Niagara Mohawk service territory. There are two levels of attraction discounts, the deeper of which is available to more energy intensive manufacturers, as defined in the tariff with specific NAICS code.
• Business Expansion-Our business expansion program is available to current Niagara Mohawk customers (25 kW or larger) who are evaluating an expansion of their existing usage—either through physical expansion (i.e., increase in kW) or increased utilization (i.e., higher kWh usage). The customer's existing usage is "baselined," and discounts are applied above those historical levels of usage. Certain growth thresholds must be hit in order to qualify for discounts.
  

SC-12 Retention Programs

• Revitalization-This program is designed to retain large manufacturing facilities in danger of closure due to financial distress. In order to qualify for discounts, customers must provide detailed financial information that demonstrates financial distress, identify and implement non-energy cost savings, and develop a comprehensive revitalization plan that will return the company to profitability within the five-year discount period.
  
• Relocation-Open primarily to our larger industrial customers, this program offers discounts to prevent the relocation of manufacturing facilities to areas outside the Niagara Mohawk service territory. In order to qualify, customers must demonstrate that they have an economically viable relocation alternative. And in recognition of the fact that electricity cost by itself is seldom the only factor driving a relocation challenge, the SC-12 discount must be part of a comprehensive competitiveness plan that includes public involvement in the form of state and/or local incentives or concessions.
  

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Targeted Financial Assistance
The Targeted Financial Assistance program is intended to fill gaps in the Niagara Mohawk energy discount programs by providing energy price reductions to business customers that have significant growth opportunities and severe competitive challenges.


Gas Pricing Discounts
Niagara Mohawk, like all utilities, purchases natural gas in a competitive national market where prices rise and fall depending on market conditions. The prices Niagara Mohawk pays to purchase gas for customers are passed through to those customers dollar for dollar. In other words, Niagara Mohawk does not mark up those prices or make a profit from them.
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New York State Power Authority
The New York Power Authority, is America's largest state-owned public power enterprise. They provide some of the lowest-cost electricity in New York State, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

Power For Jobs
Power for Jobs is designed to assist New York State businesses that are at risk of closing or downsizing their operations or moving out of the State or businesses that anticipate expanding operations, increasing electrical usage and creating new jobs may also qualify. In addition, Power for Jobs is available for not-for-profit corporations, such as hospitals, that provide a significant service or critical benefit to the local community.

NYPA Hydropower
The Power Authority sells large amounts of electricity generated at its Niagara Power Project to Western New York businesses. This hydropower is classified as either replacement power or expansion power, and is delivered through an arrangement with the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. Customers of this program must be located within 30 miles of the Niagara project (generally in Niagara and Erie Counties) or in Chautauqua County.

To qualify for Niagara hydropower, a company must have a minimum of 250 kw of new or additional electrical demand after completion of a new facility or an expansion of an existing one. The ratio of jobs to the amount of power allocated is typically about 10 jobs per mw.

Energy Infrastructure

Power Quality
By understanding power quality, you can protect your electronic equipment, keep your business running, and avoid equipment losses and the associated costs of downtime. Niagara Mohawk can help you identify power quality problems and find the right solutions for your needs.
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Capital Investment Incentive
The Capital Investment Incentive program provides grants to fund electric and natural gas improvements on Niagara Mohawk owned natural gas and electric infrastructure for certain businesses projects that involve major capital investment in plant and equipment. Specifically this program supports business attraction or expansion projects located in the service territory of Niagara Mohawk, a National Grid company. The projects must demonstrate that they have not been able to secure sufficient funding through federal, state or local economic development programs.
Program Descriptions for Capital Investment Incentives
Program Evaluation Forms for Capital Investment Incentives


Industrial Building Redevelopment
The Industrial Building Assistance program provides grants of up to $50,000 to building owners undertaking efforts to retrofit the interior electric and gas infrastructure required to convert these buildings to multi-tenant industrial use. The grants will be made through local industrial development agencies or other quasi public development corporations.
Program Descriptions for Industrial Building Redevelopment
Program Evaluation Forms for Industrial Building Redevelopment


Brownfield Redevelopment
The Brownfield Redevelopment program provides grants to fund utility related infrastructure improvements and other costs that are necessary to progress the redevelopment of a brownfield site or vacant building.
Program Descriptions for Brownfield Redevelopment
Program Evaluation Forms for Brownfield Redevelopment


Three Phase Power Incentive
The 3-Phase Power Incentive program provides grants of up to $50,000 to help fund the extension of 3-phase electric service to eligible Niagara Mohawk customers.
Program Descriptions for Three Phase Power Incentives
Program Evaluation Forms for Three Phase Power Incentives


25 Cycle Investment Incentive
Many early electric systems were based on 25-cycle service and only a handful of such systems still exist today. The 25-Cycle Investment Incentive program provides grants to help Niagara Mohawk non-residential customers make the capital investments necessary to convert their plants and equipment to 60-cycle service.
Program Descriptions for 25-Cycle Investment Incentive
Program Evaluation Forms for 25-Cycle Investment Incentive


New York State Programs
www.nylovesbiz.com/NYS_Home_To_Business/default.asp

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency in Empire Zones
The Energy Efficiency in Empire Zones program provides assistance to Empire Zone businesses in the service territory of Niagara Mohawk. The program provides incentives to eligible customers for installation of energy-efficient lighting, controls, HVAC equipment, motors/electronic speed controls, and other systems that reduce energy use and/or enhance productivity.
Program Descriptions for Energy Efficiency in Empire Zones
Program Evaluation Forms for Energy Efficiency in Empire Zones


Small Business Growth Demand Charge Reduction
The Demand Charge Reduction program provides eligible businesses 2 years of electric service demand charge discounts.
Program Description for Small Business Demand Growth Charge Reduction


Small Business Growth Energy Efficiency Assistance
The Energy Efficiency Assistance program encourages growing businesses to participate in the New York States Energy Research & Development Authority's (NYSERDA) energy efficiency programs by providing up to 75% of the program's required applicant contribution.
Program Description for Small Business Growth Energy Efficiency Assistance


Dairy Industry Productivity
The dairy industry is a critical component of the upstate New York economy, both as a direct employer and wealth generator and as a key input to a large number of "downstream" manufacturing industries. The Dairy Industry Productivity program provides rebates to fund energy efficiency and/or productivity improvements undertaken by dairy businesses and dairy farms located within the service territory of Niagara Mohawk.
Program Descriptions for Dairy Industry
Program Evaluation Forms for Dairy Industry


NYSERDA
New York Energy Research and Development Authority was established by 1975 law as a public benefit corporation. NYSERDA funds research into energy supply and efficiency, as well as energy-related environmental issues, important to the well-being of New Yorkers. NYSERDA has been cited by the U.S. Department of Energy as being among the best government research organizations in the North America, including others such as NASA. Click here for more information about NYSERDA and energy efficient programs.

Focusing Your Efforts

Strategic Economic Development Outreach
The Strategic Economic Development Outreach program provides expertise and incremental resources to leverage more and better macro-level business attraction marketing and sales efforts. The goal is to generate out-of-state prospects for direct investment in the Niagara Mohawk service territory.
Program Descriptions for Strategic Economic Development Outreach
Program Evaluation Forms for Strategic Economic Development Outreach


Prospect Research/Mailing Lists
Niagara Mohawk can help you to identify growing industries that are well suited to the assets your community has to offer. Our research staff can provide industry information and detailed company profiles to better prepare your community to respond to prospect visits. Harness our resources and experience to help develop mailing lists for your marketing outreach efforts.
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Economic and Community Training
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Community Renaissance Awards
Niagara Mohawk's Community Renaissance program recognizes the extraordinary work of communities that have undertaken the challenging task of revitalizing a valued community asset. Each year municipalities and organizations across our service area are encouraged to enter key projects for this prestigious award.
Program Description for Community Renaissance Awards
Program Application
View 2003 Awards

Building Ready Upstate Program
Many Upstate NY communities lack an inventory of quality buildings to attract new businesses. Another hurdle to overcome is the length of the approval process for constructing a new building. Empire State Development has started a program (Shovelready certification) to address the length of time necessary in permitting sites.

This program would follow the same principles of reducing the up-front time required in gaining the necessary approvals for new building construction.
Program Description for Building Ready Upstate Program
Program Application

Courting Your Prospects

Site Inspections and Area Tours
Our Economic Development team is in position to make your life easier. We'll arrange site visits and set up a comprehensive itinerary for you to become familiar with specific regions and communities that are a part of your search.
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Supplier & Distributor Networks
The Niagara Mohawk Economic Development Team will identify possible suppliers and/or distributors for your business. We will also introduce you to our state and local development allies that will help us to smooth the progress of your project.
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Market Research
The Niagara Mohawk's research department can provide you with a market research report based on your business's Standard Industrial Code (SIC). We will identify market trends and economic indicators pertinent to your industry.
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NOX Credits
Niagara Mohawk can use the sale of Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) at below market rates when they can be appropriately applied to site location or expansion opportunities. Benefits from this service are measured in the form of jobs and investment to a community/region served by the Company.
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Marketing Your Community

Strategic Economic Development Outreach
The Strategic Economic Development Outreach program provides expertise and incremental resources to leverage more and better macro-level business attraction marketing and sales efforts. The goal is to generate out-of-state prospects for direct investment in the Niagara Mohawk service territory.
Program Descriptions for Strategic Economic Development Outreach
Program Evaluation Forms for Strategic Economic Development Outreach


Cooperative Business Recruitment
The Cooperative Business Recruitment program provides incremental matching funds for cooperative marketing initiatives between Niagara Mohawk and regional or local economic development partners
Program Descriptions for Cooperative Business Recruitment
Program Evaluation Forms for Cooperative Business Recruitment

Network Opportunities
The Niagara Mohawk Economic Development Team can help you stage an event, arrange site visits to like development projects, introduce you to people experienced in like projects and set up meetings with the key public and private organizations, to help you on your project.
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Developing Your Sites

Industrial Building Redevelopment
The Industrial Building Assistance program provides grants of up to $250,000 to building owners undertaking efforts to retrofit the interior electric and gas infrastructure required to convert these buildings to multi-tenant industrial use. The grants will be made through local industrial development agencies or other quasi public development corporations.
Program Descriptions for Industrial Building Redevelopment
Program Evaluation Forms for Industrial Building Redevelopment


Shovelready Infrastructure
The Shovel Ready Infrastructure program provides grants of up to $100,000 for the installation of electric and natural gas infrastructure by local development agencies to New York state designated "Shovel Ready" BuildNow NY sites.
Program Descriptions for Shovelready Infrastructure
Program Evaluation Forms for Shovelready Infrastructure


Brownfield Redevelopment
The Brownfield Redevelopment program provides grants to fund utility related infrastructure improvements and other costs that are necessary to progress the redevelopment of a brownfield site or vacant building.
Program Descriptions for Brownfield Redevelopment
Program Evaluation Forms for Brownfield Redevelopment

Main Street/Commercial District Revitalization
Our service territory includes a substantial number of small to medium sized urban centers and main street corridors that possess unrealized potential and are located where we often have excess utility infrastructure and capacity. As a result of public/private partnerships and planning initiatives, communities are prioritizing and implementing unique projects that impact their competitive viability, attract investment and capitalize on their distinct development potential.

This program is designed to assist communities in realizing their goals and promote "smart growth" investment in central business districts and commercial corridors.
Program Description for Main Street/Commercial District Revitalization