NYPA Press Release

New York Power Authority to Reline Penstocks at Hinckley Reservoir

For Immediate Release: 06/05/24

Contact: jessica.kirby@nypa.gov | (518) 275-8330

 

 

New York Power Authority to Reline Penstocks at Hinckley Reservoir

 

Maintenance Project May Affect Reservoir Water Levels

 

UTICA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that it will begin a project at the Hinckley Reservoir on June 10 to reline the intake structures that deliver water used to generate hydroelectricity at the Gregory B. Jarvis Hydroelectric Project.

 

The penstocks at the Hinckley Reservoir have not been re-lined since their construction in 1986 and are required to be upgraded by the end of 2024 as part of a mandate from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission tied to the operation of the Jarvis plant.

 

The relining project involves de-watering the dam’s penstocks, limiting the Power Authority’s ability to pass water when the reservoir is below crest.

 

The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of October, will be undertaken in consultation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and downstream stakeholders.

 

Hinckley Reservoir was constructed in 1915 to supply water to the City of Utica and the expanding New York State Canal System. The Jarvis plant was built in 1986.

 

###

 

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.