— — Lawmakers, the governor and leaders at the New York Power Authority have struck a deal to expand a state program that provides low cost electricity to spur economic growth in New York.

What was previously known as the “Power for Jobs” program will now be called “Energize New York.” It will expand to 910 megawatts the amount of power generated at the Lewiston power plant made available to attract businesses and help offset costs for small businesses and not-for-profit groups.

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, chairman of the state Senate Energy Committee, supports the new program.

“We have been stalled at a crossroads with our low-cost energy and economic development programs, and today we are finally moving forward in the right direction,” Maziarz said in a release. “The new Energize New York program will provide more cheap energy to job-creating businesses than ever before.”

The legislation has passed the Senate and now awaits Assembly approval before Gov. David Paterson can sign it into law.

The deal will see the 455 megawatts set aside for rural and domestic use combined into a 910 megawatt pool. From that pool:

• At least 300 megawatts will go toward rural and domestic purposes such as support for local farmers.

• At least 200 megawatts will be used to help lure new employers or help existing ones expand.

• Up to 100 megawatts will be set aside for small businesses and not-for-profit groups.

Energize New York would begin accepting applications for the low cost power on Jan. 31, 2011. Applicants would be judged on the number of jobs at stake, the likelihood those jobs would go elsewhere without it and the applicant’s commitment to energy efficiency.

The legislation that had provided the previous Power for Jobs program required yearly renewal by the Legislature and would have expired earlier this week. It was extended to June 2 to allow further negotiations to produce the new program. The new deal, if approved by the Assembly, will guarantee that flow for businesses who depend on the cheaper electricity to offset operating costs.

NYPA CEO Richard Kessel said the new agreement will provide certainty to businesses worried about whether Power for Jobs was going to be renewed from year to year.

“While an important job retention tool, the expired Power for Jobs program was not sustainable and did not provide long-term certainty for businesses,” Kessel said in a statement. “New York state needs a low-cost power program that is backed by hydropower so that businesses will have the stability and continuity they need to make the serious investments necessary to create jobs around the state.”

Energize New York legislation has bipartisan support in the Senate, with Democratic Majority Conference Leader John Sampson offering his approval, along with that of Paterson’s.

Said the governor, “Today we are one step closer to achieving a permanent solution to the Power for Jobs conundrum. ... The days of passing one year extenders of broken programs are over. As demonstrated by the Senate's leadership on this issue, real reform is possible and I encourage the Assembly to join with us in passing this historic legislation."