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New York Power Authority reinforces New York's energy transmission system

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Fri, Dec 21st 2018 02:25 pm

Transmission life extension & modernization program ensures reliable power delivery for future

The New York Power Authority is implementing a wide‑reaching, multiyear transmission life extension and modernization (TLEM) program to replace and refurbish transmission assets at sites across the state. The $726 million program, which encompasses the switchyards, substations, transmission line structures and hardware, submarine cables and rights of way that comprise NYPA’s transmission system, began in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

“Delivery of reliable, low‑cost energy across New York state wouldn’t be possible without NYPA’s transmission system,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA CEO and president. “By upgrading our system to use state‑of‑the‑art technology, we’re ensuring the future reliability of our substations, switchyards and other transmission assets.”

Some of the major equipment that comprises NYPA’s transmission system is nearing the end of its useful life, and maintaining the availability, reliability and regulatory compliance of the aging assets requires significant investment. Additionally, over the years, improvements in equipment designs have led to greater efficiency in power delivery, which can be realized through equipment upgrades. The TLEM program includes the replacement or refurbishment of equipment, including autotransformers, reactors, breakers, relays, disconnect switches, protection systems, battery banks and station service equipment, and will see the addition of capacitor banks.

Due to the size, complexity, cost and duration of the program, TLEM is being managed in a phased approach to provide efficient resource planning and effective implementation. The program includes upgrades to assets at the majority of NYPA’s substations, switchyards and transmission structures throughout the state:

  • Plattsburgh‑Vermont transmission line – Completed
  • Plattsburgh substation – In progress
  • Transmission structures – In progress
  • Willis substation – In progress
  • Niagara switchyard – In progress
  • Blenheim-Gilboa switchyard – In progress
  • Clark Energy Center switchyard – In progress
  • Massena substation – In progress
  • St. Lawrence switchyard – In progress

NYPA owns and maintains switchyards and substations ranging from 115 kV to 765 kV, including 1,471 circuit‑miles of transmission lines, which is the strategic component for the delivery of reliable, low‑cost power to the state of New York. The TLEM program advances NYPA’s commitment to becoming the nation’s first end‑to‑end digital utility as part of the Smart Generation and Transmission strategic initiative, and supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) strategy.

NYPA owns and operates approximately one‑third of New York’s high‑voltage power lines. These lines transmit power from NYPA’s three large hydroelectric generation facilities and wind power generation facilities, connecting nearly 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy to New York state’s power grid. This includes connecting more than 6,200 megawatts of hydroelectric power and about 700 megawatts, or more than a third, of New York state‑generated wind energy to the grid.

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit‑miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean, renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information, visit www.nypa.gov.

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