Congressman Mike Lawler Calls On Hochul, NYPA To Disclose Electricity Discounts For Rockland Data Centers

Congressman Mike Lawler on Thursday called upon Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to publicly disclose the value of discounted electricity being provided to data centers in Rockland County through the state's ReCharge NY program.

Lawler's demand follows a Journal News report revealing that three of the four data centers operating in Orangeburg, located within the town of Orangetown, are beneficiaries of discounted hydropower from NYPA. According to Lawler's office, NYPA has declined to release information on the savings enjoyed by these companies or their specific rates, citing contractual and proprietary considerations.

Congressman Lawler criticized the lack of transparency, stating that Rockland families face increasing electric bills while the state's Power Authority provides undisclosed discounts to data centers. He urged NYPA to at least release the total annual value of the ReCharge NY discounts and the average benefit for participants, arguing this would offer public transparency without divulging confidential company-specific data. NYPA describes ReCharge NY as an economic development initiative offering competitively priced hydropower to eligible New York businesses and nonprofits in exchange for job creation and capital investment. Official records list Bloomberg L.P., DataBank Holdings, and 1547 CSR-Orangeburg as Orangeburg recipients.

Lawler emphasized the growing scrutiny surrounding data centers' electricity demands and their potential impact on local ratepayers. He recently supported federal legislation aimed at ensuring large electricity consumers cover the costs of any additional infrastructure they necessitate.