The Manufacturers Association of Central New York highlighted on May 1 the pressing need for dependable electric power to support advanced manufacturing in the state, following a recent warning from the New York Independent System Operator. Randy Wolken, President and CEO of the association, said that shrinking reserve margins and increased operational risks pose significant challenges for manufacturers.
The issue is important because reliable electricity is essential for advanced manufacturing processes such as semiconductor fabrication and precision machining. Wolken said that even minor disruptions can halt production lines, damage equipment, and lead to substantial financial losses. “For an advanced manufacturing economy that depends on precision, uptime, and energy-intensive processes, that buffer is uncomfortably narrow,” he said.
Wolken outlined how retiring older power plants faster than new capacity comes online has led to a structural imbalance in supply. He explained that regulations finalized under former Governor Andrew Cuomo have accelerated this transition but also reduced dispatchable capacity needed during peak demand periods. “We need to heed this warning and increase electric generation and the infrastructure needed to transport it. This means using an ‘all-the-above’ energy approach,” Wolken said.
To manage short-term risks, emergency procedures are available but are only temporary solutions. The effectiveness of these measures—such as demand response programs or emergency imports—can be limited if neighboring regions face similar shortages during extreme weather events. Wolken added: “Increasingly, grid operators are expressing concern about relying on them as a routine part of system operations.” He also emphasized the role manufacturers can play through on-site generation or flexible load management but noted these should supplement rather than replace a robust bulk power system.
Looking ahead, Wolken called for policy alignment between energy strategy and industrial growth objectives in order to maintain competitiveness in global markets. “The NYISO’s warning isn’t a crisis, but a clear call to action,” he said. According to Wolken, ensuring reliable electricity will be key for New York’s ambitions as a leader in next-generation manufacturing.
