Utility unveils new electric substation
A New York-based utility company recently dedicated a new $26-million electric substation that is already being credited with improving service reliability amidst sweltering summer conditions.
Officials said the new Orange and Rockland substation directly benefits 6,500 customers, meeting the increased electrical requirements of the Town of Deerpark while providing additional increased service reliability to Port Jervis.
The communities of Huguenot, Cuddebackville, Glen Spey, Sparrowbush, and Forestburgh will see the indirect benefits of the substation’s operations.
“In addition to improved electric service reliability, the new capacity this substation adds to the O&R system permits us to more easily integrate into the O&R grid renewable energy from several new solar projects proposed for this region,” Francis W. Peverly, O&R vice president – Operations, said. “That clean energy is a benefit to our customers and to the environment. A new power delivery source in the community also has the potential to stimulate the local economy by attracting business, creating new jobs and generating additional tax revenue to the town and the surrounding area.”
The utility estimates the Deerpark electric substation will produce new annual local tax revenue totaling approximately $900,000, based on present rates and current conditions.
“Not only does the substation make a good annual addition to the town’s tax revenue, it’s located next to our industrial park site,” Town of Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears said. “We hope to further develop that site with businesses to keep the taxes low. Access to more power through the substation will help us do that.”
