NYSEG Completes $53 Million Project Updating New Electric Lines in Plattsburgh Area
The investment will improve the reliability and resiliency of the grid for more than 4,900 customers
Project includes replacing aging infrastructure, including poles that are more than 65 years old
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — January 30, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) has electrified the rebuild of a major electric line, line 880, that connects the Rainbow Falls substation to the Plattsburgh division area.
“The replacement of this line will produce real and noticeable benefits to our customers in the Plattsburgh service area,” said Marc Geaumont, President of NYSEG. “New York has aging infrastructure, and investments like these not only create a more reliable and resilient grid but add value for our customers.”
The $53 million project replaced old and outdated infrastructure. These replacements include new wood and steel poles, 477 conductor cables, and optic ground wire (OPGW) static wire. The 477 conductor cables are aluminum above-ground cables with steel reinforcement that add durability and resilience from the elements. The OPGW static wire is a dual-function cable that provides a path to the ground for when lightning strikes to avoid power interruptions and increase the grid’s reliability for the area.
The project was completed in three phases. Phase I and Phase II South were completed in 2023. The last phase, Phase II North, which started in July 2025, is now complete and will benefit more than 4,900 NYSEG customers by limiting outages and increasing reliability. This investment was funded by a previous rate case, and more investments like it are part of NYSEG’s Powering New York rate proposal to keep Upstate New York moving forward.
“As Town Supervisor of the Town of Ausable, I appreciate NYSEG's commitment to upgrading Transmission Line 880, which directly impacts our community and neighboring towns of Chesterfield and Willsboro. This approximately 8.32-mile rebuild project will significantly enhance the reliability and resiliency of our electric transmission system, providing safer and more dependable power—especially during severe weather events common in our region. We value NYSEG's efforts to minimize environmental and community disruptions while supporting the growing energy needs and economic development opportunities in the North Country. The Town of Ausable looks forward to the continued benefits this investment brings to our residents and businesses,” said Tim Bresett, Town Supervisor, Town of Ausable, NY.
Media Contact:
Max Weissman