Bloomberg’s Data Facility Gets Largest Chunk of Energy Grant

Bloomberg L.P.’s proposed $800 million Orangeburg Data Center in Orangetown scored the biggest chunk of an energy grant under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ReCharge New York program, which rewards companies who create or retain jobs with low-cost power allocations.

The New York Power Authority approved another round of power grants for 18 businesses, four of which are dairy or yogurt farms, that are committed to supporting 3,191 jobs, which includes 450 new jobs, by making more than $446 million in capital investments.

“This plan is doing exactly what we expected it to do when we implemented it,” said Assembly Energy Committee Chair Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, in a press release. “It is encouraging job creation and retention by providing low-cost power to businesses that take part in the program. These businesses continue to thrive in New York State during tough economic times and this program is one of the reasons why. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to work together on this and that these programs have had such a positive impact.”

The companies will get a combined total of 19.6 megawatts (MW). One megawatt is enough electricity to power between 800 and 1,000 home.

The ReCharge NY program is run by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and offers up to seven-year power contracts to businesses. Half of the electricity under the program is low-cost electricity from the Power Authority’s Niagara and St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt hydroelectric power plants and the remaining is economical power secured by NYPA from market sources.

The Orangeburg Data Center will receive the majority of power at about 8,000 KW. In turn, the NYPA has Bloomberg L.P. committed to making $245, 000 in capital investments. According to an earlier Patch.com article, Bloomberg L.P., a business and financial information company found by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is expected to spend create a 131,000 sq. ft. data facility, at 155 corporate Dr. in Orangeburg, which should open in mid-2014. 

The project—which received tax breaks and incentives from municipalities and the Pearl River School District—is expected to employ 80 full-time jobs and create 250 construction jobs.

ReCharge NY applications also consider the cost of electricity with the cost of doing business; the applicant’s risk of closure; the significant of the applicant facility to the local economy and the facility’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Orangeburg Data Center will seek Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification.

 “NYPA staff has worked hand-in-hand with the Governor’s regional economic development councils and with Empire State Development to ensure that these latest allocations will prove as impactful as the previous ones,” said NYPA President and Chief Executive Officer Gil C. Quiniones, in a press release. “While there is still more work to be done, I think we can all take pride in the achievement of ReCharge New York.”

Click here for more information on the Orangeburg Data Center.