Overview
Harris Lake is a 4.2 MW diesel power plant in New York, USA, operated by New York State Electric & Gas Corp. It provides backup or peaking power to the local grid.
Harris Lake is a diesel power plant located in New York, United States, with a capacity of 4.2 MW. It is owned and operated by New York State Electric & Gas Corp and is currently operational. As a small-scale diesel facility, it primarily serves as a peaking or backup power source to support grid stability during periods of high demand or emergencies. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Diesel plants of this size are subject to emissions standards for particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), and may require permits under state and federal regulations. Harris Lake contributes to the regional power supply in upstate New York, an area with a mix of hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil fuel generation. Its small capacity and diesel fuel source mean it has a relatively modest environmental footprint compared to larger baseload plants, but it plays a critical role in ensuring grid reliability during peak loads or outages.
Environmental context
The plant uses diesel fuel, which produces CO2, NOx, SO2, and particulate matter. Its location in a rural area of New York may reduce direct exposure to populated centers, but emissions still contribute to regional air quality. The small capacity (4.2 MW) limits its overall environmental impact relative to larger fossil fuel plants. Regulatory compliance with the Clean Air Act and state-level emissions standards helps mitigate local environmental effects.
Frequently asked questions
Harris Lake is located in New York, United States, at coordinates 43.9719° N, -74.1861° W.
Harris Lake is a diesel power plant with a capacity of 4.2 MW, used for peaking or backup power.
Harris Lake is owned by New York State Electric & Gas Corp (NYSEG).
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants, the Acid Rain Program for SO2 and NOx, and state-level emissions permits.
As a small diesel plant, Harris Lake provides peaking capacity and backup power to support grid reliability during high demand or emergencies in upstate New York.