The New York Power Authority is delivering 260 energy-efficient refrigerators to families living in Massena Housing Authority apartments in upstate New York near the Canadian border.

The appliance delivery is part of an environmental justice program that aims to strengthen an underserved community and promote a sustainable clean-energy future.

At no cost to residents, NYPA is removing 260 refrigerators from the Massena Housing Authority, a low-income public housing program, and replacing them with energy-efficient models.

The initiative is part of NYPA’s Environmental Justice program, which provides resources to meet the needs of underrepresented communities located near NYPA’s power assets. The St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project, one of NYPA’s largest hydroelectric power plants, is in Massena.

NYPA is one of the largest state public power organizations in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is hydropower.

In a related business move, the NYPA Board of Trustees separately approved a $600 million revolving credit facility to support NYPA’s issuance of commercial paper notes to support its energy-efficiency programs for customers.

The revolving credit facility for short-term borrowing would be available through January 2022, with two one-year extensions if needed. The bank syndicate, which is led by JPMorgan Chase, also includes TD Bank, State Street Bank and Trust Company and Wells Fargo Bank.

“Having access to this revolving credit facility will enable NYPA to expand our range of energy efficiency programs for our customers,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO.

Putting the Cold in the Beer

A refrigerator can be one of the most energy-intensive appliances running in a home, and also a large source of electricity waste when not operating efficiently.

NYPA said that the town of Massena is an Environmental Protection Agency-designated Environmental Justice area and the Housing Authority is eligible for NYPA assistance because of its proximity to the power plant.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, households in Massena had a median annual income of approximately $41,000 in 2017, less than the nearly $62,000 figure reported statewide. The median incomes for Housing Authority tenants range from about $14,000 to $16,000 for the elderly and disabled units, and roughly $20,000 to $24,000 for family units.

The new refrigerators are Energy Star- certified and about 9 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard.