Enhanced Transmission Capability is Necessary to Meet State’s Renewable Energy Goals

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a New York Power Authority (NYPA) project to rebuild and operate its existing 86-mile long Moses-Adirondack 1 and 2 transmission lines and to upgrade its Moses Switchyard and the Adirondack substation to provide a more robust, resilient and reliable electric system in Upstate New York.

“We commend NYPA for advancing this critical transmission project which will ensure reliable service throughout New York State,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “These new and improved lines will help transmit power generated by clean hydro and renewable facilities in Canada and Upstate New York. They will also support future expansion to meet the clean energy goals in Governor Cuomo’s ambitious Green New Deal.”

Specifically, the Commission today granted NYPA a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law. This certificate authorizes NYPA to rebuild and operate its existing Moses-Adirondack 1 and 2 transmission lines and to construct certain upgrades to the Moses Switchyard and the Adirondack Substation.

This project is necessary to rebuild facilities that are well past their design lives to make them more resilient and reduce maintenance costs. The proposed transmission lines are needed to deliver electricity, including carbon-free hydroelectric power, from Northern New York to the rest of the State; to re-energize the bulk electric system as a component of the New York Independent System Operator’s System Restoration Plan in the event of a future widespread outage; and to provide increased capacity for future expansion to meet New York’s Clean Energy Standard.

In April 2018, NYPA filed an application with the Commission seeking authority to rebuild and operate its existing 230 kV Moses-Adirondack 1 and 2 transmission lines. The lines extend approximately 86 miles from the St. Lawrence Power Project’s Robert Moses Power Dam Switchyard in the Town of Massena, St. Lawrence County, to the Adirondack Substation in the Town of Croghan, Lewis County. Upgrades to the Moses Switchyard and the Adirondack Substation were also included in the application. NYPA will construct the project nearly entirely within an existing right-of-way that it maintains or on other property that it owns or controls.

The joint proposal in this case is supported by four parties that have been active in this proceeding: NYPA, Department of Public Service Staff, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Agriculture and Markets. It addresses the statutory and regulatory issues pertaining to NYPA’s request, adequately discusses all probable environmental impacts, and addresses the steps needed to ensure that the project as proposed represents the minimal adverse environmental impact, considering the state of available technology and the nature and economics of various alternatives and other pertinent considerations. The process provided all interested parties and the public a full opportunity to participate.

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 18-T-0207 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.