Akron, N.Y. (WBEN) - Western New York is on the fast track towards becoming more energy efficient for years to come.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Akron on Monday to announce the commissioning of the Empire State Transmission Line, a project that will upgrade the energy transmission system that serves Western New York. This new transmission line will provide the region with a new, 20-mile, 345 kilovolt line that is operated by NextEra Energy Transmission New York.
The Empire State Line will increase transmission capacity and integrate more renewable energy into the state's electric grid.
"I want to make sure that when it comes to energy transformation, we have the right transmission line to do it," said Hochul during Monday's announcement at Backlot Entertainment Venue. "We have incredible sources of power here right in our backyard. Niagara Falls and how we've harnessed that for so many generations. And I want to thank my partners at NYPA here, as well, for the work they do. But we had to undo a bottleneck and there's so much energy that has to come.
"How do you get clean energy to people? You have to build new transmission lines. ... We do proudly have the most ambitious energy goals in the nation. And if they're not, we'll one up a little bit more because we're always going to be the best."
Developed and operated by NextEra Energy, the new Empire State Line connects the new Dysinger switchyard in Royalton, NY with the new East Stolle switchyard in Elma, NY. In addition to providing access to existing renewable resources, the new transmission line advances New York's clean energy goals by supporting the integration of future renewable resources from Western New York.
The Empire State Line marks progress toward exceeding New York State's goal to achieve 70% electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and a net zero-emission grid by 2040. The new project will enable the transmission of an additional 3,700 megawatts of renewable energy throughout the state.
"At our company, we've been focused on clean energy for 30 years, and we believe that clean energy makes sense both environmentally and economically," said NextEra Energy Partners president and director, Rebecca Kujawa. "We're more focused than ever to help our customers be that the great State of New York, a utility or a commercial industrial customer, to help meet their clean energy goals."
In addition, the project is estimated to provide $950 million in lifetime customer savings and avoid 7.4 million tons of carbon emissions. Upgrading New York's transmission system with projects like the Empire State Line will provide better environmental outcomes through emissions reduction and improved grid reliability.
"There's a direct correlation between climate change and what's happening to our climate itself," Gov. Hochul said. "We are the first generation to really feel the effects. We're also the last generation that can do something meaningful about it. That's why today's story is so important. It's not just about us here today, but it's also about future generations."
The Empire State Line was selected by the New York State Independent System Operator (NYISO) through a competitive solicitation process. Since the project's selection, NEETNY worked closely with the NYISO and the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to meet all legal and regulatory requirements for the development, permitting, and construction of the Empire State Line. Both the NYISO and the PSC were instrumental in providing clear expectations and meeting schedule milestones for the coordination and planning required for this project.
More from Monday's announcement is in the player below: