ONEONTA - Two Oneonta businesses will receive discounted electricity under a state program, state Sen. James Seward announced recently.

Burt Rigid Box and Custom Electronics, both on Browne Street, were approved for allocations of cheaper electricity by the state Economic Development Power Allocation Board, said Seward, R-Milford.

The allocations were given under the "Power for Jobs" program, which started in 1997 to provide 400 megawatts of cheaper electricity for businesses and nonprofit corporations that commit to create or retain jobs in the state.

In July, the program was extended through 2005, according to the New York Power Authority. Under the program, companies typically pay 25 to 30 percent less for electricity, Seward said.

Burt Rigid Box, which manufactures custom fragrance boxes, will receive 350 kilowatts of cheaper power to retain 63 jobs, Seward said.

Custom Electronics will receive 150 kilowatts of cheaper electricity, Seward said. The company, which has been around since 1964 and manufactures electronic components, has 60 employees, said Engineering Manager John Bowers.

"The savings we get from 'Power for Jobs' will help us become more profitable with what business we currently have," he said. Bowers said the company had a previous "Power for Jobs" contract that ran out at the end of August.

"We had a reduction in our utility expenses," he said. "It's definitely a savings, and everything helps in these days."