NYPA brings innovation through strategic planning and technology to energy generation, transmission and canal systems. The powerhouse team seeks innovative suppliers to join them. Attending one of their supplier events is an excellent start. - BY Robin Byrd

It does not take long to learn that projects from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and its subsidiary, the New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), are forward-looking and innovative. Each organization has a distinct mission. NYPA endeavors to meet the state’s future energy needs by developing renewable energy projects and improving New York’s transmission system, and Canals works to improve recreational access to the state’s canals. Both organizations are comprised of teams of innovators leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet their ambitious goals. Organizational leaders are quick to explain that innovative, diverse suppliers are essential contributors to their success, attracted through events like the Supplier Diversity Industry Day.

The Need for Innovation

Suppliers can find almost unlimited opportunities with NYPA and Canals. Both groups are collaboratively pursuing visions of a transformed energy and canal system. The result is a flow of projects necessitating innovative suppliers who share in their progressive visions.

NYPA manages the Niagara, St. Lawrence, and Blenheim-Gilboa power projects that supply New York State with clean, renewable hydropower. NYPA, the nation’s largest state-owned public power entity, also owns and operates approximately one-third of New York’s transmission lines. It always has multiple projects in development focused on utilizing technology-based innovative solutions, like producing more wind-generated power, modernizing transmission line resilience and monitorization using drone technology, and investing in clean energy projects for new power generation and transmission. Major transmission projects in progress include Propel NY Energy, an innovative electric transmission solution and Clean Path New York, which is investing in a clean energy infrastructure. Smart Path Connect, to modernize transmission lines, and Central East Energy Connect, to increase transmission line capacity were both completed in 2023. Canals operates and maintains the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca canals that span a total of 524 miles. It also manages the 365-mile Canalway Trail, part of the state’s 750-mile Empire State Trail. The Reimagine the Canals initiative aims to transform the Canal system into an ecotourism destination while promoting economic development and canal-side community resiliency.

Canals also has many projects in progress or planned. In November 2023, NYPA and Canals announced a collaborative, multiphase project to enhance the Village of Medina’s Connection to the Erie Canal. Protecting the environment is a top priority, like the new construction project to mitigate seepage along the Erie Canal’s earthen embankment in Royalton, Niagara County. There are projects to build pedestrian bridges, mitigate flooding, and many other opportunities. In December 2023, the NYPA and NYS Canals won the prestigious LIT Lighting Design Award for the illumination of the Canal Infrastructure.

NYPA and Canals need diverse suppliers to achieve their ambitious goals. The Power Authority’s VISION2030 strategic plan, sets forth strategic priorities to create a resilient, economically vibrant New York powered by clean energy. Those include enhancing hydropower as a core source of carbon-free power, meeting customer goals in alignment with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and reimagining the canals for economic and recreational benefits of New Yorkers while driving operational efficiency.

Supplier Diversity is the Foundation of Innovation Success

Launching the Supplier Diversity Industry Day series was seen as a necessity to engage current and potential diverse suppliers. The event serves two purposes. One is attracting suppliers who can contribute to turning visionary projects into a reality. The second is to share the information suppliers need to take advantage of contract and procurement opportunities. On December 14, 2023, NYPA and Canals held their second Supplier Diversity Industry Day with the theme Information Technology.

The theme reflected the NYPA’s commitment to transforming the utility sector and reimagining the historic canal system by embracing advanced technologies. The conference demonstrated NYPA and Canals’ belief that diverse suppliers are essential to the transformation to high-tech operations that deliver top-quality service to consumers and businesses and are a source of forward-looking innovation.

John Canale, Senior Vice President of Strategic Supply Management, named three goals for suppliers attending the event. The first was to come away with an understanding of NYPA and NYS Canals' major IT projects. Second was meeting and establishing contact with key suppliers on major technology projects. The third was to participate in one-on-one networking sessions with key people from NYPA and NYS Canals procurement, as well as some of the contractors.

Canale said, “We have established three supportive business development programs for suppliers. There is the Small and Local Business Capacity Building, the Surety Bond Training, and the Mentor-Protégé program. Having strong relationships with our suppliers helps deliver our VISION2030 goals.”

Showcasing the Focus on Emerging Technologies

The morning Supplier Diversity Industry Day session topic was IT Trend Forecasting with global insights shared by executives from Wood Mackenzie. Next came a Strategic IT Projects Panel, led by NYPA representatives like James Haley, Senior Category Manager, Strategic Supply Management, and Elizabeth Beaty, VP, Technology Business Management Office, who discussed the importance of working with diverse suppliers across the technology project portfolio that supports both NYPA and Canals. Robert Piascik, Senior Vice President, Chief Information & Technology Officer, further emphasized the importance of working with diverse suppliers to help implement and mature the cloud-first strategy over the next five years, which will ensure the digital ecosystem is secure, scalable and resilient.

The technological focus was intentional, as it is important to advancing the goals of one of the Power Authority’s strategic pillars—digitization. For example, Ron Carroll, VP, Product Development Data Management, explained that artificial intelligence (AI) is used in the drone inspection program, allowing quicker transmission line evaluation. They also use AI to detect anomalies in large data sets to provide early insights into critical maintenance needs. Technological solutions are also crucial in upgrading substations to expand transmission capacity. After the panel, Walter Lowe, Supplier Diversity Specialist at NYPA, discussed Doing Business with NYPA & Canals. The afternoon was filled with networking, and the 200 suppliers in attendance could meet with vendors. The Power Authority’s Supplier Diversity Director, William Choi, said, "At the IT Industry Day, I had the pleasure of hearing from two women-owned business enterprises that attended previous NYPA-specific outreach events. As a result, they created important connections and are now working on substantial projects. With the partnership of our business units, we will continue to host these events to help educate and connect with our suppliers.”

Additional Opportunities for Connection Coming In May 2024

Building on this success, NYPA and Canals are holding their annual Supplier Diversity Expo on May 8, 2024. The theme is Building Powerful Connections for a Brighter Tomorrow. The all-day event helps minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOB), and small business enterprise (SBE) firms “unveil their potential, build powerful connections, and drive the engine of progress–together.” During the event, attendees will meet key vendors offering contract opportunities, have opportunities to pitch products or services to procurement decision-makers, attend business information workshops, and learn how to navigate NYPA and Canals procurement process.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation are experiencing their remarkable success through collaborations like these. Progress to date and into the future is the product of forward thinking, embracing technology, and utilizing innovative suppliers. The future looks only transformative.