Con Edison gets approval to build clean energy project in Queens

Con Edison received authorization from the New York State Public Service Commission to construct its proposed Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project in Queens, New York.

The $1.2 billion investment features two new substations and a new Springfield electric network to meet the growth in customer electricity use in Queens. Further, the project provides continued electrification and redevelopment at downtown Jamaica, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s bus fleet.

“As we work towards New York’s clean energy goals, we must think more boldly about ways to serve increased demand for electricity while maintaining a reliable grid as customers transition away from fossil fuels,” said Tim Cawley, Con Edison’s chairman and chief executive. “By investing in our Reliable Clean City – Idlewild project, we are building New York’s clean energy infrastructure while creating good jobs, advancing New York’s climate goals, and ensuring that our grid remains reliable for customers in Southeast Queens for decades to come.”

The Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project will enable Con Edison to accommodate new sources of renewable energy and increased demand while maintaining reliability in Queens. In addition, it will provide interconnection points for energy storage and enable large clean energy resources to interconnect with the Con Edison system, which advances the state’s renewable energy goals included in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“Con Edison’s Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project will create good-paying, green jobs for skilled union workers and lift the standard of living in our region,” Jim Shillitto, president of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America, said. “This project will demonstrate utility workers’ essential role in creating a clean energy future. Our dedicated workers are at the forefront of the movement away from fossil fuels and towards renewables.”

Con Edison delivers electricity, natural gas, and steam and serves 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.