+ Why is this project needed?

New York State is faced with a major energy challenge — the state’s electric transmission system is aged, congested and in need of upgrades to meet the state’s increasing renewable energy mandates and the current and future energy needs of families and businesses. In April 2019, after extensive analysis and a competitive bidding process, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) chose New York Transco’s New York Energy Solution (NYES) as the preferred plan to modernize and upgrade the Hudson Valley portion of the transmission network extending through portions of Rensselaer, Columbia and Dutchess counties.

+ What is New York Transco?

New York Transco is an owner and developer of energy transmission facilities in New York State. The company is owned by the unregulated affiliates of National Grid, Con Edison, AVANGRID and CH Energy Group.

+ Why was the New York Energy Solution proposal selected?

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) cited a number of factors in its decision to choose NYES over competing proposals, including our project having the lowest cost per megawatt generated, the greatest reductions in carbon dioxide generation and the “most resilient foundation and structure design, resulting in significant benefits to the operability of the transmission system during extreme weather events.” Click here to read the NYISO's full decision.

+ What will the project accomplish?

• Modernize aging infrastructure, while staying entirely within the existing utility-owned corridor and on utility-owned land and, wherever possible, accommodating stakeholder and environmental concerns in design, construction and operation.

• Reduce the number of structures in the corridor by approximately 230.

• Alleviate energy bottlenecks, allowing for the efficient flow of clean energy from Upstate New York in support of the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for 70% of New York State’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

• Improve the reliability and resiliency of the transmission system.

• Generate additional annual tax revenue for host communities and provide local jobs during the approximately two-year construction period.

+ Where will this work take place?

Our planned upgrades will take place within an existing 54-mile utility corridor and on utility-owned lands in Rensselaer, Columbia and Dutchess counties. More specifically: In the towns of Schodack, Stuyvesant, Stockport, Ghent, Claverack, Livingston, Gallatin, Clermont, Milan, Clinton, and Pleasant Valley.

+ What will the project entail?

In general, the NYES will replace 80-year-old lattice-style transmission structures with approximately 230 fewer modern monopole structures along the 55-mile corridor, remove and reconfigure multiple 115kV lines, add a new 345 kV line to improve the flow of electricity down the corridor, and add or upgrade existing station technology. A more detailed description can be found here. Town-by-town descriptions of our work can be found here.

+ Why aren’t you burying the lines?

That option was evaluated by the New York Independent System Operator and determined to be cost-prohibitive.

+ Isn’t this project really meant to serve the needs of New York City?

The electricity flowing along this corridor is distributed to Capital Region, Hudson Valley and New York City users. The improvements in carrying capacity and structure reliability will benefit everyone served by these lines.

+ How much will this project cost? Who’s paying for it?

Transmission lines like NYES serve a vital public need as the backbone of the energy delivery system. The costs to upgrade and maintain these lines are spread among ratepayers based on [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission][22] (FERC) zones in the State of New York. Based on our estimated capital costs, we estimate that an average residential ratepayer who uses 500 kWh a month would pay an additional $1 to $9 per year, depending on geographic location. In the 11 project host communities, we estimate the annual increase would range from $1 to $2.75 on an average residential bill. These estimates do not take into account potential rate savings associated with expanded transmission capacity and displacing fossil fuel use with renewable energy sources.

+ What types of government approvals are necessary?

Our project must pass multiple levels of state and federal review, the most comprehensive of which is the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Article VII process, which governs the siting of major utility transmission projects. New York Transco submitted our Article VII application in October 2019, and it is currently under review. We anticipate receiving a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need by the end of 2020. Before beginning construction, we will develop and submit to the PSC an Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) detailing our environmental protections and construction techniques. For more information about our permitting process, please click here.

+ Will local governments have a role in permitting the project?

Yes, all local governments can participate through the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Article VII process. In addition, some of the project towns will have a role in reviewing our Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and issuing required permits for construction entrances off town roads. The NYES project team will be in close communication with these municipalities as we develop our Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP). These interactions are in addition to the extensive communications we have had and continue to have with elected officials in all of the towns on the project route throughout our project, keeping them updated on our plans and inviting comments. We believe strongly that regular engagement with local governments before, during and construction is essential to a successful project.

+ How will the new line relieve congestion on the system?

Congestion occurs when transmission lines lack the necessary capacity to carry the electricity that is needed by consumers. The New York Energy Solution upgrades will add 1850 MW of additional transfer capacity between upstate and downstate New York, a key interface in the State’s power system. This will allow more of the renewable energy being produced in the northern portions of the state to flow downstate.

+ Will this project help replace power from the Indian Point nuclear plant once it shuts down?

Yes, the increased transmission capacity of the New York Energy Solution project will allow greater amounts of renewable energy to travel into the Hudson Valley, helping to fill some of the void that will be left by the closing of Indian Point.

+ Does New York Transco pay property taxes?

Yes. We will pay property and school taxes on each transmission asset (switching stations, transmission conductors, transmission structures, etc.) along the route.

+ Will my town receive additional tax revenue from the project?

Local tax revenue estimates are not available at this time. Local and state taxes are paid by transmission owners and operators for both the property and assets (poles, wires, etc.). The value of the new transmission assets will be significantly higher than the current structures, which will result in an increase in tax revenue to each of the host communities.

+ Will Transco provide any host community benefits outside of increased tax payments?

No, as NYES is a ratepayer-funded project.

+ Who owns the corridor now? Will Transco be purchasing the property?

National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson Electric & Gas, and Con Edison each own different portions of the corridor and/or station locations. New York Transco is in negotiations with each party on property rights and future arrangements.

+ Can I get a job working on the project? Can my business supply products or services?

If you are interested in employment opportunities or providing information about your business, feel free to contact a project representative at info@ny-es.com or toll-free at 1-855-433-3611. The project will go through a detailed and comprehensive effort to partner with qualified vendors/suppliers.

+ I'm considering allowing a solar developer to use my land for a solar farm. Could the developer interconnect with the new line?

It is possible, but there are many variables to consider and a formal process to follow. Energy generators should contact the New York Independent System Operator for more information.

+ What if I have questions or concerns about the project?

New York Transco is committed to working with landowners, residents, and communities to mitigate impacts on our neighbors and the environment before, during and after construction. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact us at info@ny-es.com or toll-free at 1-855-433-3611. The New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Article VII process also provides avenues for public involvement.