New York State PSC approves first phase of NYPA’s Smart Path transmission project
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved on Feb. 6, the first phase of the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Moses-Adirondack Smart Path Reliability Project, which aims to increase the reliability and resilience of the electric system in Upstate New York.
The plan includes rebuilding the 86-mile long Moses-Adirondack 1 and 2 transmission lines that run from St. Lawrence County to Lewis County as well as upgrading the Moses switchyard in Massena in St. Lawrence County and the Adirondack substation in Croghan in Lewis County.
“Governor Cuomo has set New York on course to achieving 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and zero greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2040,” Commission Chair John B. Rhodes said. “Projects such as the Smart Path project enhance and improve transmission across the State and are absolutely vital to make the renewable energy generated upstate accessible for the entire State.”
The first phase of the $484 million project involves replacing 78 miles of existing wooden structures with steel monopoles. The new steel monopoles require less space, allow for more distance between poles, and are more durable.
The second phase will involve rebuilding approximately eight miles of existing steel structures coming from the Robert-Moses Switchyard in Massena and rebuilding 0.4 miles of steel structures leading into the Adirondack substation as well as constructing a new 345 kilovolt (kV) switchyard at the Robert-Moses switchyard and the Adirondack substation.
