Independent Audit Reaffirms N.Y. Power Authority's Asset Management Expertise

For Immediate Release: 12/18/20

NYPA Contact: Maura Balaban | Media.Inquiries@nypa.gov | (914) 646-6016

Recognizes NYPA’s Pandemic Response

 

WHITE PLAINS—An independent assessment has reaffirmed that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) continues to exemplify the highest standards asset management that was attested to by the International Standard Organization (ISO) certification that the organization received last year.

In September 2019, NYPA became the first electric utility in North America to achieve the coveted ISO55001 certification. As part of the certification, NYPA committed to the recently completed surveillance audit which validated NYPA’s continued exemplary status in the stewardship of physical assets. The audit which concluded in October, was conducted by the same ISO authorized assessor, EA Technologies, whose extensive evaluation led to NYPA’s original recognition last year.

The EA technologies audit examined NYPA’s Transmission Regional Asset Management Plan, finding that it continues to reflect excellent investment decisions and actions. EA Technologies further said that similar findings could be applied to other NYPA asset management plans and addressed NYPA’s pandemic response, including the activation of an Incident Command Structure in early March to lead the organization’s response and the sequestering of Covid-screened essential employees at six major facilities during the height of the public health emergency.

“It can be seen from the results of the audit that NYPA staff were (and still are) very proactive… This was demonstrated by the evidence presented during the surveillance audit and the very low volume of Covid-19 incidents within NYPA,” said the auditors in an executive summary of their latest findings. “This is particularly impressive when taking into consideration the scale of the pandemic in NYPA’s operating area.”

“The success of this surveillance audit affirms that NYPA – even during the pandemic --  is effectively managing its statewide generation and transmission systems and has the necessary framework and practices for ensuring its long-term versatility and value to New York State,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO.  “This third-party validation is very meaningful and affects all aspects of our operations, inspiring us to continue our commitment to being ‘asset saavy’ and to do even more for our customers and the citizens of New York State.”

Once an organization receives ISO 55001 certification, it must undergo a surveillance audit for each of the two successive years following its certification, which is for three years.

The auditors noted that NYPA’s Asset Management System, including the immediate accessibility of comprehensive information on our more than 67,000 equipment assets and maintenance history, was one of the operational strengths during the pandemic.

The 2019 ISO certification and this year’s follow-up audit closely aligns with NYPA’s Vision 2030 strategic plan in verifying that NYPA is using the best asset management practices for it to continue to deliver clean, reliable, safe and cost-effective energy to its customers.

 

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

 

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