Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, D-N.Y., has received the Energy Highway Task Force's Blueprint, a comprehensive plan that aims to add up to 3,200 MW of additional electric generation and transmission capacity and clean power generation through up to $5.7 billion in private investments.
The Energy Highway initiative, which Cuomo introduced in January during the 2012 State of the State address, is a centerpiece of the governor's Power NY agenda to further advance New York's grid and promote increased business investment.
"As we work to grow New York's economy, we need reliable, affordable and clean power to leverage significant private sector investments, to allow businesses to grow, and to create jobs," says Cuomo. "The energy highway will ensure that businesses and residential consumers across New York State have access to the affordable power they need to plan for not just today, but also for the future.
“An economy built to last requires a power infrastructure that gives businesses the confidence and security they need to hire new workers and plan for years to come, and this Blueprint continues to position New York State as a national leader in clean energy production and investment,” he continues.
The Blueprint includes the following actions designed to add up to 3,200 MW in new generation and transmission:
Invest $250 million to develop smart grid technologies and create an advanced energy management control center;
Invest $1 billion for 1,000 MW of new electric transmission capacity;
Initiate $250 million in new renewable energy projects, leveraging $425 million in private investment and creating 270 MW of new power;
Modernize and repower existing inefficient, high-emission plants to create 750 MW of power, enabled by an approximately $1.5 billion investment;
Generate 1,200 MW of additional capacity through approximately $1 billion in investment to help meet reliability needs to address retiring power plants across the state;
Accelerate $1.3 billion of investment in existing transmission and distribution projects to enhance reliability, improve safety, reduce cost to customers and reduce emissions; and
Initiate field studies of Atlantic Ocean offshore wind development potential.
According to Gov. Cuomo’s office, the interagency Energy Highway Task Force will begin swift implementation of the proposed actions. These steps will help reduce the time required for development of energy infrastructure and include a first-of-its-kind solicitation of new transmission projects by the New York Department of Public Service.
The Energy Highway Task Force created the Blueprint after reviewing 130 responses provided by 85 entities, including investor-owned utilities, private developers and investors in response to its request for information, issued in April.
