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For Immediate Release: 3/15/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23026 / 21-T-0574 March 15, 2023
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Virtual Public Statement Hearings Set Regarding Monroe County Transmission Lines |
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ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) will hold two virtual public statement hearings on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, regarding Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation’s (RG&E) application to construct 22.5 miles of 115 Kilovolt (kV) transmission lines in Monroe County. On November 23, 2021, RG&E filed an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law. If granted, the certificate would authorize RG&E to construct, operate, and maintain the Monroe County Reliability project to be located in the Village of Spencerport and the towns of Gates, Greece, Ogden, and Parma in Monroe County.
The proposed project would include replacement of RG&E’s four existing 115 kV electric transmission lines (existing lines 947, 946, 945, and 917) with new 115 kV lines over an aggregate distance of approximately 22.5 miles from RG&E’s Station 418 to its Station 7, with connections to: RG&E’s Station 113; the Spencerport Municipal Electric Substation; and RG&E’s Stations 70, 71, 69, and 93. It also would include the reconstruction of segments of several lower-voltage lines that are, and would remain, underbuilt in the same right-of-way (ROW) as the proposed lines. The rebuilding of each 115 kV transmission line would include reconductoring, replacing all insulators, and replacing existing structures with taller single-circuit steel structures that would hold the proposed lines. The rebuilding of the lower-voltage lines would likewise include reconductoring, replacing all insulators, and underbuilding the lines on the new structures supporting the proposed lines. The project, as proposed, also includes installation of stormwater management features; establishing one or more temporary laydown/staging areas and marshaling yards; and constructing or improving supporting access roads.
RG&E proposes to locate the project primarily within and along existing electric ROW corridors, however, some new ROW would be required to accommodate the project, maintain required clearances, and minimize impacts. RG&E would also acquire additional rights outside of the ROW to selectively remove danger trees.
In considering this application, the Commission may adopt or reject RG&E’s proposal, in whole or part, or modify it. In doing so, the Commission will consider input from the participating parties and the general public.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that public statement hearings will be held virtually before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to obtain comments from the public concerning RG&E’s proposal as follows:
Any person wishing to speak at a public statement hearing must register to do so by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023.
To register and provide a statement electronically: Participants who would like to provide a statement and will log in electronically must register, by the date and time indicated above, by visiting www.webex.com, where they should click “Join” at the top right-hand corner of the screen, enter the appropriate event number above, and provide all requested information.
When logging in on the date and time of the public statement hearing, participants will be asked to “select audio system.” It is recommended that participants choose to have the system “call me” or “call using computer.” The “call me” option will require participants to enter their phone numbers.
To register and provide a statement by phone: Any participant who is not able to log in electronically may participate by phone. Call-in participants wishing to make a statement at a public statement hearing must register by the date and time indicated above by calling (800) 342-3330, where they should follow prompts to the appropriate hearing and provide the following information: first name and last name, address, and phone number.
On the day and time of the public statement hearing, all call-in participants should dial (518) 549-0500 and enter the appropriate access code listed above.
All participants will be muted upon entry. The ALJ will call each person who has pre-registered, and will continue each public statement hearing until everyone registered to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made to include their comments in the record. Reasonable time limits may be set for each speaker as necessary to afford all registered speakers an opportunity to be heard. It is recommended that lengthy comments be submitted in writing and summarized for oral presentation. A verbatim transcript of the public statement hearings will be made for inclusion in the record of this case.
To listen to the public statement hearings: Registration is not required to listen to, but not comment at, the public statement hearings. The public statement hearings will be livestreamed on the internet and available for viewing on the Department of Public Service’s YouTube channel on the date and times listed above. To access the YouTube channel, visit www.dps.ny.gov, and click on the YouTube icon at the bottom of the homepage. In addition, any person without internet access may listen to the hearings by phone by calling (518) 549-0500 and entering the appropriate access code.
Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resources Management Office at (518) 474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Department at (800) 342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
The application may be reviewed online at www.dps.ny.gov. To access documents, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “21-T-0574” in the “Search by Case Number” field. The application is also available for review at local public libraries in the project vicinity.
Other Ways to Comment
For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at the public statement hearings, there are several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. Comments should refer to “Case 21-T-0574.” Although comments will be accepted throughout the pendency of this proceeding, they are requested by April 14, 2023.
By Internet or Mail: Please go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “21-T-0574” in the “Search by Case Number” field, and then click on the “Post Comments” box located at the top of the page. Those unable to file electronically may mail their comments to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350. All written comments will become part of the record considered by the Commission and may be accessed by going to www.dps.ny.gov, searching by the case number, as described above, and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab.
Toll-Free Opinion Line: Individuals may choose to submit comments by calling the Department of Public Service’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This line is set up to receive in-State calls 24-hours a day. These calls are not transcribed verbatim, but a summary is provided to the Commission by the ALJ.
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