Congestion in Northeast energy transmission among worst in nation

DOE congestion study completed

By FRITZ MAYER

UNITED STATES — A region from central New York to New York City and continuing down to the mid-Atlantic states is among the most congested in the country when it comes to the distribution of electricity. That’s one of the findings of a study by the Department of Energy (DOE), which was released on Tuesday, August 8.

The study also singled out Southern California.

Kevin Kolevar, director of the DOE’s office that deals with electric transmission reliability, told the Associated Press that these two areas “face unparalleled problems” regarding the distribution of electricity.

The study was the first step in determining which areas of the country may be eligible to receive a designation of National Interest Electricity Transmission Corridor (NIETC). Companies that build and operate power lines may be able to bypass state laws in areas with NIETC designations. There will be a 60-day public comment period on the study before the DOE begins to designate NIETC corridors.

At first glance, the DOE report might seem to be a positive development for New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI), whose application to build a 200-mile high-voltage power line through eight New York counties, including Delaware, Sullivan and Orange, is in review at the New York Public Service Commission (PSC). But some observers say that’s not necessarily the case because there are several possible corridors that could reduce the congestion in the region.

In fact, according the Utica Observer-Dispatch, in recent comments to the DOE, officials from New York City demonstrated their preference for a corridor linking New Jersey and the city, rather than one linking the city with upstate counties.

Congressman Maurice Hichey said the study does not guarantee an approval of the NYRI power line and that he will continue to fight it.

Gunther’s opposition

At the state level, assemblywoman Aileen Gunther announced a public hearing to discuss the NYRI project.

The hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. on August 17 at the CVI Auditorium, located at 1 CableVision Center in Ferndale, NY. Hinchey, representatives from NYRI and the PSC are scheduled to testify. The hearing is open to the public.

Gunther, a staunch opponent of the high-voltage power line, said the dire impact of the power line’s construction clearly outweighs the limited benefits.

Gunther is particularly concerned with the prospect that eminent domain may be used to acquire land for the project. She said, “Residents do not want—nor do they deserve—to have their homes taken from them or to have their property values greatly decreased just because a company wants to throw up power lines across our communities in order to bring electricity downstate.”