News | April 5, 2018

NYPA Files Formal Application For Rebuild Of Major North-South Power Transmission Artery

  • Smart Path Project to Help Modernize the Grid and Enable More Renewables to Flow on New York’s Power System
  • Filing Prompts Environmental Review by Public Service Commission of Transmission Line Rebuild Project

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) recently announced that it has formally filed an application, known as an Article VII application, with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) for the planned rebuild of the Moses to Adirondack transmission lines in Northern New York. The project is expected to further strengthen the reliability of the New York State electric power grid and enable more upstate renewable energy to connect to the power system for distribution throughout the state. The major transmission system rebuild project will help accelerate the state’s progress in meeting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard goal that calls for 50 percent of New York's consumed electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.

“These transmission lines have been consistent workhorses in the Power Authority statewide transmission and generation power network,” said Gil C. Quinones, NYPA President and CEO. “After the Public Service Commission’s review, we hope to give these transmissions lines new life so they can continue to provide New York with cost-effective, clean electricity. As the utility sector of today undergoes dramatic change, we are investing in our transmission infrastructure to prepare New York’s energy highway for many more years of reliable service.”

NYPA’s proposed Moses-Adirondack Smart Path Reliability Project will use existing rights of way to rebuild 86 miles of transmission lines, including 78 miles that were constructed originally by the federal government in 1942 and acquired by the Power Authority in 1950. Running north to south through St. Lawrence and Lewis counties in the North Country, the lines connect economical, clean and renewable energy into the statewide power system, including low-cost hydropower from NYPA's St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project as well as power from newly constructed renewable energy sources. The project is expected to support hundreds of jobs during its construction.

The rebuilt lines will be capable of transmitting up to 345 kilovolts, but will be operated in the near-term at the current operating level of 230 kV. Together the lines are currently rated to carry 900 megawatts during the winter months--enough clean electricity to power 720,000-900,000 averaged-sized homes. This ability to increase the voltage when the demand requires it is a cost-effective way to add on more renewable power, especially from in-state renewable generation, anywhere along the transmission line, as New York continues to advance its clean energy goals. The Smart Path project supports the long-term expansion of renewable energy development and is an important building block in Governor Cuomo's Energy Highway Blueprint initative. Project managers held a series of public meetings in February 2018 along the line to solicit feedback from landowners and the general public on the project design.

The PSC’s Article VII review process examines the environmental, public health and safety impacts for major electric transmission projects. During the process, the PSC, other state agencies and the general public are given an opportunity to scrutinize the design and provide input on the proposed rebuild of the transmission lines. The process is expected to conclude with the PSC’s issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Smart Path project sometime within the next year. For more information on the PSC’s review process, visit the Department of Public Service’s Article VII Process Guide.

Visit www.nypa.gov/smartpath for up-to-date information about the Moses-Adirondack Smart Path Reliability Project.

About NYPA
NYPA is the nation's largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit www.nypa.gov.

Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven growth of more than 1,000 percent in the statewide solar market, improved energy affordability for 1.65 million low-income customers, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5B investment in clean energy technology and innovation, visit rev.ny.gov.

Source: NY Power Authority