New York Transco Submits Proposals to Deliver Offshore Wind Energy to New York City

New York Transco has submitted Energy Link NY electric transmission proposals to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for the delivery of energy from future offshore wind facilities to New Yorkers’ homes and businesses.

Energy Link NY proposed solution sets were developed in response to the NYISO’s New York City Offshore Wind Public Policy Transmission Need Project Solicitation (NYC PPTN). The proposed solutions include new underground and submarine electric transmission components that reflect innovation, area system expertise, and state-of- the-art technologies balanced with community and environmental stewardship.

"Energy Link NY represents the best and the brightest in NY coming together to advance innovative transmission solutions that will help transition New York's energy grid to a greener future and enhance the resilience of Downstate New York’s energy system," said Victor Mullin, president of New York Transco. "These solutions represent decades of energy and utility area experience to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions that reflect stakeholder feedback and minimizing local impacts, prioritizing community needs through design and construction, while planning for tomorrow’s decarbonized future.”

The Energy Link NY project will bring several benefits to New Yorkers, including:

• Increased energy delivery capabilities to power over 4.5 million NYC area average homes, which will help meet the increasing demand from electrification requirements in the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Project Act and the City’s Climate Mobilization Act.
• Enhanced reliability by creating new paths in the transmission network to deliver more clean energy to high-demand areas.
• Improved resiliency to withstand the effects of climate change by strengthening the transmission system with state-of-the-art, modern, and durable infrastructure.
• Creation of clean energy and construction jobs, engaging New Yorkers in
  advancing a clean energy economy.

The NYISO's Project Solicitation calls for transmission proposals that would deliver a minimum of 4,770 megawatts of anticipated offshore wind generation into the New York City area (NYISO Zone J) by Jan. 31, 2033. The solicitation was in response to a New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) order issued on June 22, 2023, recognizing the need for transmission solutions to deliver offshore wind generation to New York City, in line with the clean energy goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which requires 9,000 MW of offshore wind generation by 2035.

Energy Link NY encompasses various transmission infrastructure components to accommodate the anticipated additional offshore wind generation and needed bulk transmission connections. Specific details regarding components, lines, and connections will be evaluated as part of NYISO's assessment process. After a solution selection by the NYISO Board, the selected developer(s) will initiate permitting activities.

Energy Link NY reflects early stakeholder consultations with federal, state and local agencies to determine important criteria for siting and design. If selected, New York Transco will broaden consultation and public engagement activities to educate communities about the project and solicit feedback for use during design and permitting phases. The Energy Link NY project team is committed to working with communities and stakeholders at every stage to ensure that the built project(s) reflect local voices and values, prioritize community well-being, and protect the surrounding ecosystem.