Sign in Subscribe
Social services

Governor Cuomo Announces Construction Start of $180 Million Transmission Line in Niagara and Erie Counties

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's efforts to advance New York's nation-leading clean energy goals, the New York State Department of Public Service has announced the start of construction on the Empire State Line, a $180 million transmission line upgrade project in Niagara and Erie counties. The project, developed by NextEra Energy Transmission New York, Inc., aims to increase transmission capacity and help deliver more renewable hydroelectric power throughout Western New York. This new transmission line will stimulate local and regional economies by creating and supporting clean-energy construction jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Empire State Line is a $180 million transmission line upgrade project, developed by NextEra Energy Transmission New York, Inc., to improve energy transmission capacity in Niagara and Erie counties.
  • The project will help deliver more renewable hydroelectric power throughout Western New York, supporting Governor Cuomo's nation-leading clean energy goals, including a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040 and 70% renewable energy generation by 2030.
  • The new transmission line will stimulate local and regional economies by creating and supporting clean-energy construction jobs, with expected employment of between 120-150 workers.
  • The project is part of a larger vision to reimagine, rebuild, and renew New York, as outlined in Governor Cuomo's 2021 State of the State address, which includes a package of transmission projects across the state that will create opportunities to maximize the use of renewable energy.
  • The Empire State Line is the final project within the 250 miles of planned investments to commence construction and is expected to be complete and in service by June 2022.
  • The new transmission line will be carried by steel monopole structures, each 115 feet high, which are 40 feet higher on average and 15 feet narrower than traditional H-frame structures.
  • Governor Cuomo's climate agenda includes a several initiatives, such as $4 billion invested in 91 large-scale renewable projects across the state, over 150,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector, and 1,800% growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011.

Statistics:

  • The Empire State Line is a $180 million transmission line upgrade project.
  • The project will employ between 120-150 workers, sourced from local labor organizations.
  • The new transmission line will support Governor Cuomo's clean energy goals, including:

+ A zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040

+ 70% renewable energy generation by 2030

  • The project is part of a larger package of transmission projects across the state, aiming to create 250 miles of planned investments to maximize renewable energy use.

Sources:

  • Albany: New York State Department of Public Service, For Immediate Release: 3/19/2021
  • Governor Cuomo's 2021 State of the State address
  • NextEra Energy Transmission website, www.NextEraEnergyTransmission.com

Read more