NYISO Board Selects Transmission Project to Deliver Offshore Wind Energy

RENSSELAER, NY (06/20/2023) (readMedia)-- The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) announced today that its Board of Directors has selected a transmission project to meet the Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need (Long Island Need).

The selected transmission project, Propel Alternate Solution 5, will ultimately benefit energy consumers by providing transmission capability to deliver at least 3,000 megawatts (MW) from offshore wind projects – advancing the state closer to its goal of 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035. The project will be developed by the New York Power Authority and New York Transco – a partnership called Propel NY.

"The selection of Propel Alternate Solution 5 is a critical step forward as the state works to meet its ambitious climate mandates," said Rich Dewey, President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator. "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all the developers who submitted project proposals, stakeholders who participated in the process and, of course, the NYISO staff for their expertise and dedication."

The Long Island Need was initially declared by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) in a March 2021 order. That order began a multi-year, joint effort by NYISO's team of experts, the New York State Department of Public Service, developers, and stakeholders to address transmission needs in and around Long Island driven by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Propel Alternate Solution 5 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. This transmission project will offer New Yorkers greater access to diverse and efficient resources. It will also provide effective flexibility under a wide range of operating conditions. Additionally, Propel Alternate Solution 5 has relatively low procurement, permitting, and construction risks compared to 15 other proposals that were deemed viable and sufficient by the NYISO.

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.

Moving forward, Propel NY is responsible for submitting this project to the appropriate governmental agencies and authorities to obtain approvals and permits to site, construct, and operate the project. This includes the PSC's process for siting of major utility transmission facilities under Article VII of the Public Service Law.

The NYISO has prepared an informational packet which includes the final Long Island Need report, a fact sheet and background public policy blogs. Download the informational packet.

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About the New York ISO

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for operating the state's bulk electricity grid, administering New York's competitive wholesale electricity markets, conducting comprehensive long-term planning for the state's electric power system, and advancing the technological infrastructure of the electric system serving the Empire State.