SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — In November 2021, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced contracts to build a transmission line that will bring clean energy to New York City. It was all a part of ensuring that New York hits a target—70 percent of its electricity would come from renewables by 2030. 

One of the contracts went to Clean Path NY (CPNY), a public-private collaboration between the New York Power Authority and  Invenergy and energyRe.

CPNY’s new transmission line will run from the Fraser substation in Delaware County to New York City, following the Marcy South line. It passes through Sullivan County.

What’s the latest? 

CPNY is currently pursuing certification and regulatory review through the New York Public Service Commission’s Article VII process. 

This requires a full environmental review of any major transmission facility’s siting, design, construction and operation in New York State. 

CPNY’s contract with New York State requires that the project be completed in 2027.

What benefits will communities along the transmission line see?

Increased energy security

Given that the $11 billion CPNY project is projected to use 3,800 megawatts of renewable energy generated in-state, it could increase the state’s energy security and independence. Keeping the lines underground or underwater makes them resilient in case of storms.

A modernized grid 

Improving energy infrastructure will alleviate congestion in New York’s aging, fragmented electric grid and allow energy to move more efficiently and cost-effectively across the state.

Better air quality

Using renewables could drastically improve air quality across the state. The CPNY project will enable the generation and delivery of clean energy resources, thereby reducing nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides as well as particulate matter emissions from New York’s statewide electric sector by 22 percent every year, according to a CPNY factsheet.

The project could also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 49 million tons.

Economic development

CPNY projects 8,300 new jobs and $4.7 billion in economic development across the state. 

Investments supporting green jobs/skills training, workforce development, and more have been discussed.

Community investment fund

A $270 million community investment fund is planned, CPNY has said, supporting education, workforce development, public health, climate solutions and environmental conservation efforts across the state. Initiatives could include workforce development, training, and education to create pathways and opportunities in the growing green economy; public health access and medical services; and regional environmental conservation and clean energy initiatives. 

So all the clean energy is for New York City?

Yes. CPNY has said that the state’s grid is congested, blocking clean energy from reaching the city, which relies on natural gas and oil—a situation the company has called the Tale of Two Grids.

The new transmission line would clear that blockage.

For more information, visit www.cleanpathny.com.