Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,-Pulaski) helped pass a new pro-business program, Recharge NY, in the economic development portion of the budget. The program extends the Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs until July 1, 2012, and expands it permanently to provide low-cost power to foster statewide economic development.

New York has some of the highest energy costs in the nation, which only deepens the burden for businesses across the state. Recharge NY will allocate 910 megawatts of rural and suburban power. This doubles the amount of power the New York Power Authority (NYPA) previously made available through Power for Jobs. It also makes lower-cost power permanent for farmers.

“Recharge NY will help businesses to create more jobs by reducing their power costs. It also includes much-needed discounts specifically for farmers, to ensure they will continue to receive credits from NYPA,” said Barclay. “This program is exactly what New York needs. We have to have a business-friendly environment to get our state’s economy back on track. This program not only benefits the businesses that use it but the economy as a whole. I was happy to support this in the budget,” added Barclay.