The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today announced it decided to reopen the Rochester Area Reliability Project proceeding in order to give parties an opportunity to re-examine alternatives for certain segments of the project designed to increase the reliability of the supply of electricity to the Rochester area. 

“We appreciate the substantial public comments received from property owners, public officials and other throughout the process, and feel it is appropriate to reopen the proceeding to examine possible alternatives,” said PSC Chair Audrey Zibelman.  “At the same time, we are sensitive to the need to maintain reliability in the Rochester area, and we recognize that any effort to reevaluate siting issues must move forward in a manner that ensures continued reliability.”

The Rochester-area reliability project calls for the construction of approximately 21 miles of new 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, reconstruct two miles of an existing 115 kV line, a new 1.9 mile 345 kV line, and a new 345 kV/115 kV substation, as well as improve three existing substations in the Towns of Chili, Gates, and Henrietta and City of Rochester, Monroe County. The project also includes new system upgrades in existing control buildings.

The Commission’s decision to reopen the case for this purpose was based on consideration of comments from local property owners and State and local officials, a report from the Administrative Law Judge assigned to the case on discussions among the parties, and a review of the record in the proceeding. While the reexamination of alternatives takes place, the Commission’s prior order approving the project is still in effect. 

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, 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 11-T-0534 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number." Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders 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.