CAPE VINCENT, JEFFERSON COUNTY (AP) -- More than 3,500 northern New York businesses and dairy farms will receive a 9 percent discount on their electric bills for the next year.

Gov. David Paterson says the savings only apply in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Franklin counties. The discount is expected to yield average annual savings of $1,200 for each eligible customer - with some of the largest electricity users saving up to $250,000.

The temporary power discount program is possible through an agreement between the New York Power Authority, National Grid and New York State Electric and Gas.

Paterson says Tuesday the program could save businesses and farms $10 million.

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