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For Immediate Release: 04/20/23 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23042 / 20-E-0197 April 20, 2023
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PSC Approves Construction of Con Edison’s $810 Million Clean Energy Hub |
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Project Will Enhance Electric Reliability of Brooklyn and Queens ALBANY — In celebration of Earth Week, the New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved construction of a transmission substation on property owned by Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) in northwest Brooklyn, adjacent to the East River. The $810 million project addresses local electric reliability needs in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. In addition, the project could serve as a point-of-interconnection for up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of new clean-energy resources, such as offshore wind power.
“It is clear that New York State is in the middle of a fundamental change in the generation, delivery and utilization of electricity,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Priority has shifted to ensuring increased levels of renewable, clean sources are integrated into the grid while polluting sources are being phased out. To make sure the system continues to serve customers with the level of reliability that our modern economy demands, we know that additions and modifications to the utilities’ transmission and delivery infrastructure will be needed, as well as equitable methods for recovering the costs of such additions.”
In making its decision to approve this transmission-related project, the Commission explained the significant challenges confronting the State related to maintaining reliability during the transition to a clean energy economy. The key point is that, in this period of transformation, the Commission must respond flexibly and promptly as needed changes to the State’s transmission system are identified.
The Commission order explains that to meet the State’s target for a zero-emission grid by 2040, statewide installed generation capacity must grow from about 43 gigawatts (GW) in 2019 to about 90 GW of in 2040. Much of this increased electric demand will occur in New York City as a result of the growth of electric vehicle charging stations and increased building electrification. Thus, the Commission expects that additional 345 kV substations in New York City will be needed in the future to accommodate the projected increase in electric load. To meet the associated reliability needs expected to arise as early as 2028, the Clean Energy Hub will ensure supply to one of the planned substations, the Gateway distribution area substation. In addition to solving the reliability need, the Clean Energy Hub also provides a potential interconnection point for new clean energy resources that will be needed to support the decarbonization of the city’s electric supply.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 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 on a path to achieving 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 $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.8 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2021 and a 2,100 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 trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 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 interventions 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 20-E-0197 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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