Anne Van Buren
Business Council of New York State
March 29, 2005

The Business Council of New York State is comprised of thousands of large and small companies across the Empire State. We strongly support the continued operation of Indian Point and the development of new sources of electricity in New York.

A recent study by our research affiliate, the Public Policy Institute of New York, documented that New York businesses pay the second-highest electricity rates in the country, behind only Hawaii. Overall, our businesses pay an average of 43% more for electricity than businesses located in other states.

The net effect is that high energy prices are forcing many businesses to leave New York or cut back on their operations here.

Indian Point’s low cost nuclear power is important for downstate New York and the City. In fact, if Indian Point were to close, our already-high energy costs would rise further because of the savings that are already built into rates for consumers and businesses alike in this region.

Against the current backdrop, with high energy costs and the absence of a power plant siting law, Indian Point provides a refreshing contrast. Last week Indian Point received approval to increase its power output by nearly five percent, or enough to power an additional 50,000 homes. That critically needed power will come on line without any financial or environmental impact to the community.

Indian Point helps keep New York economically competitive. Let’s keep Indian Point running so it can help keep us growing.

Tom Klein

Jerry Kremer

Norris McDonald

Paul Vitale

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