The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees has authorized several initiatives advancing multi-year programs designed to upgrade and extend the operating life of its generation and transmission assets.
The NYPA has authorized additional spending and contract awards tied to the Authority’s Transmission Life Extension and Modernization Program, Communications Backbone Program; Next Generation Niagara and the Marcy to New Scotland Transmission Upgrade project, which NYPA is undertaking with LS Power Grid New York.
The NYPA has authorized $25 million for the completion of the Communications Backbone Program, designed to establish a communications network that builds on NYPA’s existing infrastructure while leveraging available infrastructure from independent dark-fiber service providers. The program began in 2017 and is scheduled to conclude in 2022.
$139 million was authorized for the final phase of upgrades to equipment in the Niagara Power Plant’s switchyard. The upgrades are part of NYPA’s state-wide Transmission Life Extension and Modernization program. The authorizations cover the design, purchase and installation of new autotransformers, circuit breakers, switches and ancillary equipment.
$200 million was authorized for the construction of the Marcy to New Scotland Transmission upgrade project that is scheduled to begin construction next month. NYPA is collaborating with LS Power Grid New York to rebuild a 93 mile transmission corridor between the Town of Marcy in Oneida County and the Town of New Scotland in Albany County.
These infrastructure investments are expected to help New York State meet its goal of onboarding more renewable energy and building resiliency in the state’s energy system to combat the effects of climate change.
Source: NYPA