Power plant rules sought by LARRY RULISON

ALBANY -- Business and consumer advocates are raising their voices once again about New York's need for a new power plant siting law.

The previous law, known as Article 10, expired in 2003. The Legislature has been unable to agree on a new version. The old law was used to streamline the regulatory and permit-granting process for electrical power plants in the state.

On Wednesday, the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance, known as New York AREA, held a breakfast round-table discussion on Article 10 at the University Club in Albany.

State energy experts forecast a shortfall of electricity in the state by 2012, especially in the New York City area. Jerry Kremer, chairman of New York AREA, says a new siting law is needed to ensure that plants are built to supply that power.

"Article 10 was a medium to get power plants built in New York," he said. "And it really worked."

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