New York Power Authority files application for rebuild of Moses to Adirondack transmission lines
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) recently announced that it formally filed an application with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) for the rebuild of the Moses to Adirondack transmission lines in Northern New York.
The proposed Moses-Adirondack Smart Path Reliability Project will connect upstate renewable energy, including hydropower from NYPA’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project and newly constructed renewable energy projects, to the power system to distribute it throughout New York State.
“These transmission lines have been consistent workhorses in the Power Authority statewide transmission and generation power network,” NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quinones said. “After the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) review, we hope to give these transmissions lines new life so they can continue to provide New York with cost-effective, clean electricity. As the utility sector of today undergoes dramatic change, we are investing in our transmission infrastructure to prepare New York’s energy highway for many more years of reliable service.”
The project will use existing rights of way to rebuild 86 miles of transmission lines running north to south through St. Lawrence and Lewis counties in the North Country.
The rebuilt lines will able to transmit up to 345 kilovolts (kV) but will be operated at the current operating level of 230 kV n the near-term. Together the lines are currently rated to carry 900 megawatts during the winter.
The project, including the ability to increase voltage according to demand growth, supports the state’s Clean Energy Standard goal, which calls for 50 percent of New York’s consumed electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2030, the company said. It also supports Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Energy Highway Blueprint initiative.
The PSC’s review process includes examination of the project’s environmental, public health and safety impacts and provides an opportunity for input from the PSC, other state agencies and the general public.
NYPA noted that it expects the process will conclude with the issuance of a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the project within the next year.
