The rapid expansion of renewable energy resources is driving the need for increased capacity on transmission lines. In New York State, power regulators recognize this need and have given the green light for improvements.

On Feb. 16, 2023, the New York State Public Services Commission authorized the development of 62 local transmission upgrades designed to reduce congestion created by the integration of large-scale renewable power. They include upgrades to existing transmission lines and substations as well as the construction of three new substations. The utilities plan to complete the projects between 2024 and 2030.

The requests came from several upstate utilities. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., New York State Electric & Gas Corp., National Grid and Rochester Gas & Electric Corp. submitted their requests for the development of transmission upgrades that will reduce congestion in three existing generation pockets. The upgrades will be developed in the Capital Region, the southwest and the northern regions of the state.

Combined, the projects will cost about $4.4 billion and create 3,500 megawatts of capacity for clean energy.

The upgrades are made necessary by the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, otherwise known as the Climate Act. Signed by lawmakers in 2019, the law requires the state to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, and no less than 85% by 2050 from 1990 levels. These ambitious goals are leading to new, large-scale renewable energy projects, which in turn necessitate upgrades and additions to transmission and distributions systems to accommodate the new clean power generation these projects will create.

The commission also notes that the transmission upgrades will create hundreds of high-paying construction jobs and generate significant tax revenue to local municipalities from more than $10.3 billion in related capital investments that are also expected as a result of the projects.