PSC Approves Upstate Transmission Project

ALBANY - The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a major transmission project to rebuild a nearly century-old transmission line in Western New York that will help ensure reliability and improve the flow of energy across New York State.

"Making significant upgrades and additions to the state's existing transmission and distribution systems will enable us to integrate new large-scale renewable energy projects into the state's energy supply," said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. "This project provides an essential reinforcement of the electrical transmission system that will support the long-term economic health and growth of Western New York, as well as support ongoing commercial and industrial enterprises throughout the region and beyond."

On November 18, 2022, National Grid filed an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need pursuant to Public Service Law (PSL) Article VII for approval to rebuild, operate, and maintain a 21.7-mile portion of its 115-kilovolt electric transmission line. The line, known as Line 112, extends from the City of Lockport through the Town of Royalton in Niagara County and the Towns of Alabama and Batavia in Genesee County.

With today's approval, National Grid will rebuild, operate, and maintain Line 112 and associated facilities, including replacement of 178 "aeromotor" structures and existing conductors, installation of stormwater management features, construction of staging/laydown areas and marshalling yards, and improvement of access roads. The $87 million project will be rebuilt almost entirely along the transmission line's existing right-of-way (ROW).

The overall construction period for the project is estimated to last approximately 14 months, commencing as soon as practicable following receipt of all required rights, permits and approvals. The amount of time it will take to construct any segment or individual structure replacement will vary depending on the specific ROW constraints and outage limitations.

During peak construction, the workforce for the project will average approximately 40 construction workers. They will perform typical utility construction activities, such as tree trimming, matting, foundation work, line construction and restoration.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts - including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies - to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path toward a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

Today's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 22-T-0654 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

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