New York Transco has received approval from the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to advance construction on the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project (RTS), a 12-mile 115kV electric transmission project in Orange County. The RTS Project will increase transmission capacity and help improve the reliability and resiliency of the electric system to deliver more clean energy to homes and businesses.
“The RTS project is an important piece of the transmission side of the clean energy puzzle,” said New York Transco President Victor Mullin. “Replacing 95-year-old infrastructure and reinforcing this part of the transmission system in Orange County will bring us one step closer to achieving the State’s important climate goals.”
The RTS Project will replace existing transmission lines and structures in an existing utility corridor with modern, storm resilient equipment through the towns of New Windsor, Blooming Grove, Hamptonburgh and Chester. The Project also includes improvement activities at the existing substations in New Windsor and Chester. The RTS Project is part of a larger initiative of electric transmission projects that are under construction in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley to alleviate energy bottlenecks and allow for a greater flow of clean energy from upstate generation sources.
“New York Transco has designed the RTS project to minimize impact to our neighbors and the environment, and we have a team dedicated to ensuring our efforts are regularly and proactively communicated to stakeholders throughout the area,” noted Mullin. “We appreciate all of the open dialogue with the host municipalities, local landowners and residents, and welcome any questions as our project advances.”
The Phase II Environment Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) approved today by the PSC allows for the replacement of the existing 12-miles of transmission structures and lines, as well as the rebuild of the existing Sugarloaf Station and an overhead connection between the rebuilt station and the existing 138kV substation in Chester. All work will take place on the existing transmission corridor or utility property and is anticipated to begin in June 2022. The Project is planned to be completed by end of year 2023.