The New York Power Authority and New York Transco recently announced that their proposed 90-mile electric transmission project was selected by the New York Independent System Operator for the delivery of offshore wind energy.
NYISO noted that that the selected transmission project will provide transmission capability to deliver at least 3,000 megawatts from offshore wind projects -- advancing the state closer to its goal of 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035.
The project will add three new underground cables connecting Long Island with the rest of the state and a 345 kV transmission backbone across western/central Long Island.
The selected project “has relatively low procurement, permitting, and construction risks compared to 15 other proposals that were deemed viable and sufficient by the NYISO,” the grid operator said.
The project is required to be in-service by May 2030 with an estimated capital cost of $3.26 billion. Per the NYISO’s extensive project analysis, the potential economic benefits are estimated to be comparable with, if not greater than, the project cost over 20 years.
The project calls for new underground and submarine transmission lines in existing public rights-of-way and substation facilities on Long Island, in New York City, and across Westchester County.
In a LinkedIn post, Thomas Falcone, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority, said that the NYISO decision is "a big win for Long Island and the State’s goal of a zero carbon electric grid."
NY Transco is a private, New York developer, owner and operator of New York-based bulk transmission facilities.
NYPA and NY Transco both have independently won past competitive transmission bid processes and are currently constructing clean energy transmission projects across the state.
Pending regulatory approvals, construction is anticipated to commence in 2026.
