National Grid to invest more than $4B in Upstate New York transmission upgrade
National Grid plans to invest more than $4 billion on some 70 transmission enhancement projects in Upstate New York between now and 2030.
“The Upstate Upgrade represents a landmark investment and speaks to how National Grid is reinforcing the grid to meet our customers’ growing energy needs while leading the clean energy transition,” Rudy Wynter, National Grid New York president, said. “This six-year portfolio of work will transform the grid, improve reliability and resilience and enable us to deliver renewable energy to homes and businesses across New York.”
The Upstate Upgrade will generate thousands of new jobs, more than a billion dollars in economic growth, and ensure the energy grid is able to meet the growing demand for electricity.
The upgrade will modernize the transmission system and construct or rebuild more than 1,000 miles of transmission line, 45 substations, and install new technologies that prevent load loss, monitor load fluctuations, and resolve congestion. This work also will protect the transmission grid against the increasing threat of extreme weather.
“There is no transition without transmission. Decarbonizing the state’s grid will require more than just generating wind, solar, and hydro power; we also need the poles and wires to deliver all that electricity to our homes and businesses. We applaud National Grid for prioritizing clean energy delivery in New York State,” Julie Tighe, president of New York League of Conservation Voters, said.
The initiative will bring over 1,700 new construction jobs, and associated residual spending to local communities, which in turn will create thousands of additional jobs. Further, it will create at least $1.9 billion in overall economic output during and after construction.
“The Buffalo Niagara Partnership welcomes National Grid’s comprehensive plan to invest in its electric infrastructure. Affordable, reliable energy is an essential component of economic development and National Grid’s investments will help Buffalo Niagara and all of Upstate build a stronger, more competitive, and more equitable economy,” Dottie Gallagher, president and CEO at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, said.
