NYSEG Upgrading Transmission Line in Putnam County
Upgrade will improve service for more than 2,300 customers
BINGHAMTON, NY — February 9, 2021 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) has begun work to upgrade a portion of the company’s transmission system in Putnam County. The Line 803 Rebuild Project replaces 2.9 miles of existing 46 kV line and poles along the route to improve service to approximately 2,377 customers in the Town of Patterson and Town of Southeast.
“This project will bring greater reliability to the area, improve the resiliency of the system against severe weather and increase energy capacity to help meet growing demand,” said NYSEG Project Manager Gideon Oppong-Darko.
Crews are working in the right-of-way to replace poles, equipment and wire that run between the Kent and Tilly Foster substations. The wire is being upgraded to allow for increased electricity capacity to meet growing energy demand in the area. The new poles are larger in diameter, making them more resilient to strong winds and other adverse weather. Additionally, this project reduces the number of poles along the route, lessening the visual impact of the electricity transmission equipment.
Because these lines extend over existing wetlands, the company is taking extra care to reduce the impact on the environmentally sensitive area. The use of timber mats designed to handle heavy machinery and equipment will protect the soft ground from trucks and other vehicles. Special permitting was required from the towns, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for this project.
“Special care is being taken in the area to protect the ecosystem and the turtle habitats,” added Oppong-Darko.
NYSEG advises customers that temporary and minor traffic impact may occur during the project period. The company also asks that motorist use extra caution when near crews and work zones. Crews will be working along Noonan Drive, Towners Road, and Fair Street in Carmel.
“Our NYSEG crews will be seen working throughout the next few months in the area,” said Oppong-Darko. “We thank our customers in advance for their attentiveness as they pass through work zones. This will allow crews to complete the upgrades safely and efficiently.”
The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2021.
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About NYSEG: New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1852, NYSEG operates approximately 35,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 4,500 miles of electric transmission lines across more than 40% of upstate New York. It also operates more than 8,150 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 20 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers. For more information, visit nyseg.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.
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- Ridge Harris
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