USA, New York: New York has completed another major transmission project, with Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration marking the completion of Smart Path Connect.
The project, backed by the New York Power Authority and National Grid, involved the rebuild and enhancement of about 160 km (100 mi) of transmission lines. It was previously known as the Northern New York Priority Transmission Project.
Smart Path Connect was approved by the Public Service Commission in 2020 under legislation backed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The measure was designed to speed up transmission development by allowing NYPA to take on projects that support New York’s renewable energy goals.
The completed project is expected to unlock about 1,000 MW of upstate hydropower and renewable energy.
The work included upgrades at 10 existing substations and the construction of four new substations. It also involved rebuilding 88 km (55 mi) of transmission lines running east to west from Massena to Clinton, and 72 km (45 mi) running north to south between Croghan and Marcy.
These two sections are connected by NYPA’s 125-km (78-mi) Smart Path project, which was completed in 2023 through the reconstruction of the Moses to Adirondack transmission lines.
Together, the projects form part of New York’s wider effort to strengthen transmission infrastructure and support the delivery of renewable power across the state.
Source: Politico
