When the New York Power Authority completes renovations of its White Plains headquarters, it will feature 90 geothermal wells for heating and cooling, along with rooftop solar panels.
The entire project, aimed at becoming an example of energy efficiency in the state, is being overseen by Rye resident Justin E. Driscoll, who, as NYPA’s president and CEO, is shaping New York State’s energy future.
Driscoll, who has lived in town for seven years and in Westchester for over three decades, was appointed to lead the largest state public power utility in the country by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022, and confirmed by the State Senate.
“At a time when New York is leading the fight against climate change and rapidly transitioning to clean energy, NYPA needs strong visionary leadership at the highest level,” Hochul said of his appointment.
The self-effacing Driscoll, who doesn’t like to talk about himself much, said he enjoys the quiet charm of Rye, often strolling to local restaurants with his wife.
On chilly weekend mornings, you might spot him at Hand Rolled Bagels, or savoring a coffee at Sunshine Coffee Roasters and taking in the small-town vibe.
Driscoll’s three grown children attended Holy Child and Fordham Prep and now live in the Midwest. But Rye serves as a gathering point for the family in the summer, when their four grandchildren enjoy all that Rye has to offer during the warmer months.
“It’s great sharing the old-world charm of Rye with the next generation,” said Driscoll.
His own childhood was spent near Albany, close to some of the state’s massive hydroelectric projects, many of which he oversees in his current role. After earning a bachelor’s degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs in 1977 and a degree from New York Law School in 1981, he built a law career, representing clients in the oil and energy industry.
It was there that his interest in energy generation was piqued and he moved to NYPA, serving as its chief legal officer for a decade before taking on his current role.
Under his leadership, NYPA delivers low-cost electricity to more than 1,000 businesses and municipalities statewide, driving over $54 billion in private investment and supporting a wide array of industries, according to Driscoll.
Closer to home, Rye’s schools, fire stations, and government buildings benefit from NYPA’s affordable energy, much of which is powered by massive hydropower facilities on the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers. Driscoll also oversees NYPA’s 17 power generation plants and more than 1,550 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, critical for keeping the lights on across New York State.
“More than 80 percent of our power comes from clean, renewable hydropower,” said Driscoll. “We’re also accelerating the integration of solar and wind energy, providing customers with electricity that’s 25 percent cheaper than other providers in Westchester.”
Driscoll is particularly interested in innovation — whether it’s rolling out EV charging stations at airports, drilling geothermal wells for office buildings, advancing renewables or researching the impact of small modular nuclear reactors that power data centers. Which is where the new headquarters and its innovative energy saving measures come in.
He also serves on several boards, including, Electric Power Research Institute, the Alliance to Save Energy, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the GridWise Alliance and New York City’s Urban Green Council.
“Affordable energy is the lifeblood of many small businesses in towns like Rye across New York,” Driscoll said. “I hope through my work to lay the groundwork for innovation and sustainability that will keep New York’s small towns thriving.”
