Q: What is Propel NY Energy?

Propel NY Energy is a proposed innovative electric transmission solution – new underground and submarine transmission lines and new stations – developed jointly by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York Transco (NY Transco) to bolster the electric transmission network on Long Island, in parts of New York City and in Westchester County for relability, resiliency and the delivery of clean energy, including offshore wind, to homes and businesses throughout New York State.

Q: Where are these proposed projects located?

Propel NY Energy is proposed for development on Long Island, in parts of Nassau (Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay) and Suffolk Counties (Town of Huntington), in eastern Queens and the Bronx, and in parts of Westchester County (New Rochelle up to Yonkers). A graphical map is available by clicking here. The proposed routing will be discussed in more detail with each host community, area residents and businesses, and other stakeholders. All routing and project components are preliminary until approved through the regulatory process.

Q: Why is Propel NY Energy needed?

1. To bolster the relability, resiliency and capacity of the downstate grid.

2. New York is working to achieve the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal for a zero emissions electricity grid by 2040.

3. The transmission grid in downstate New York will need to accept a significant amount of clean offshore wind (currently more than 4 gigawatts have been awarded, goal is 9 gigawatts) and deliver it to energy customers throughout New York State. In order to reliably do that, the transmission backbone in parts of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County will need upgrades.

Q: How will this help deliver offshore wind resources?

Propel NY Energy proposes to build out the transmission backbone – the part of the electric grid that transports energy from where it is generated to where it’s consumed – to reliably deliver the clean energy, including from offshore wind facilities. Propel NY Energy's construction of new underground/submarine transmission lines and substations will create the clean energy pathways that can relieve existing congestion and help move clean energy efficiently and effectively and to connect into the statewide grid.

Q: When will Propel NY Energy begin construction?

The Propel NY project must go through comprehensive State and other permitting processes, including the NY State Public Service Commission's Article VII. Upon completion of regulatory approvals, construction activities are estimated to begin in 2026, to put the project in-service in est. 2030.

Q: Why did NYPA and NY Transco team up for Propel NY Energy?

NYPA and NY Transco bring a depth and breadth of expertise in developing, building, operating and maintaining quality transmission facilities in New York State. As two New York organizations focused on improving New York’s future, we are united in a commitment to meet New York’s clean energy goals with smart, community-centered projects.

NYPA owns and operates one-third of the transmission grid and has expertise in all aspects of building and running transmission lines and working with local communities. NY Transco owns and operates key transmission links and brings innovation, efficiency and community engagement to all projects. 

Q: How will Propel NY Energy advance?

In June 2023, Propel NY Energy was selected by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN) competitive process as the more efficient or cost-effective project to meet the need.

The Project team will work toward securing permits and regulatory approvals to begin construction in est. 2026 and put the new assets in service in est. 2030.

Q: When will specific routing or other project details be released?

A graphical map of Propel NY Energy highlighting the proposed key components and areas is available here. The Propel team will begin meeting with stakeholders to discuss more detailed routing. This effort will continue throughout permitting, and many opportunities for sharing project details and receiving public involvement will occur.

Q: How does the process work?

· March 2021 -  the PSC declared a public policy need for transmission improvements in the Long Island and downstate grid to deliver offshore wind to customers. 

·  August 12, 2021 - NYISO issued a Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN) request for transmission solutions to deliver offshore wind resources coming ashore on Long Island. 

•   October 11, 2021 - Developers delivered submissions. 60 days to respond to the PPTN RFP and go through the NYISO competitive analysis and selection process.

· October 18/19, 2021 – NYISO posted brief descriptions on submissions. (5 business days post-submission)

· April 4, 2022 – NYISO issued final Viability and Sufficiency Assessment identifying which solutions are viable and sufficient to satisfy the identified PPTN 

· May 2023 – NYISO released draft evaluation and selection assessment recommending Propel NY Energy Solution 5. Proposals are scrutinized from a technical, feasibility, cost, and project benefit approach based on a series of metrics. 

· June 20, 2023 – NYISO selects Propel NY Energy the more efficient or cost-effective project to satisfy the need and issues a report with the final selection(s).

· 2024 – Project begins permitting process, including public outreach and the New York Public Service Commission’s Article VII permit. 

Q: Can local stakeholders get involved in this process?

Yes! We want to work with you! We are focused on early, often and inclusive engagement with all stakeholders. Building relationships with stakeholders is a key focus of our team and will continue to be a vital part of our commitment to ensure Propel NY is reflective of and respects local voices and values. The Propel NY Energy team looks forward to meeting you and we standby to answer questions. Please contact our team with questions or comments at 1-800-347-9071 (toll-free) or info@propelnyenergy.com.

Q: What will this project cost?

The project is approximately $3.2 billion of investment in critical infrastructure that will serve New York State residents and businesses now and into the future.

Q: Who pays for the project?

The NYISO has ultimate responsibility under the Open Access Transmission Tariff to determine cost responsibility and allocation of costs to New York Load Zones (ratepayers). For this PPTN, the New York Public Service Commission has directed NYISO to apply its default cost allocation mechanism and allocate costs on a statewide load-ratio share basis.

Q: Will the project provide local jobs?

Both NYPA and NY Transco have a long history leveraging the skilled NY workforce. As such, we’ll look for the best qualified and experienced workers to advance Propel NY. We see clean energy and construction jobs as a direct benefit of our proposals. 

NYPA and NY Transco released its first procurement opportunity seeking qualified equipment suppliers. Click HERE for more information.

Q: What benefits will host communities see?

Like all transmission improvements, the host communities will certainly benefit from increased economic activity as well as the benefits of clean energy resources, such as lower emissions, cleaner air and more efficient, reliable, resilient electricity delivery through modern technology and infrastructure. The Propel NY team is in the process of preparing updated economic impact analysis.