Industry: power authority rate hikes jolt profitability. (New York Power Authority)

In 1987, chlorine maker Niachlor invested about $200 million to build a state-of-the-art plant in Niagara Falls that now employs 210 workers.

The main reason was simple: low-cost electricity from the New York Power Authority.

None of the nearly 60 Western New York industries that receive the hydropower appear poised to lock their doors and leave town. However, company officials say they aren't uttering idle threats when they say hydropower rate increases will hurt them.

Power authority officials, however, say the proposed increases will still keep the companies competitive. They say the state-run authority needs the rate increase to help pay for the increased cost of producing the power and repairing its Niagara Power Project in Lewiston.

"As a Western New Yorker, I am convinced that these rates …