Orange & Rockland Utilities to build 5.5 mile transmission line

Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) has proposed a $52.6-million project to install 5.5 miles of new electric transmission cable underground in the southwest section of Clarkstown, N.Y.

The construction project is designed to improve electric service reliability and system resiliency for approximately 45,000 O&R customers.

The proposed 138kV underground transmission line would be installed mainly within secondary public roadways to connect O&R’s substation in Nanuet with O&R’s substation in West Nyack. The proposed route goes from O&R’s substation access road in Nanuet, through mainly secondary streets into the substation property in West Nyack. It will not require property easements over private lands other than from CSX railway. It will be installed in the roadways within the public transportation rights-of-way. Also, no construction will occur within wetlands or forested lands.

“This project will provide added protection and an added electric supply source for a key part of the O&R transmission system. That means we are making the electric system more resilient and the electric service to customers more reliable,” O&R President and CEO Robert Sanchez said.

O&R is working closely with local Clarkstown officials and the police department to minimize construction disruption on the roadways. However, motorists should expect periodic delays once the project begins.

The proposed project is pending review by the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC). The review process typically takes from 12 to 18 months to complete.

O&R, a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey, as well as natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York.