PSC Seeking Public Comment on the Application filed on May 24, 2012  

The New York State Public Service Commission held a public information forum and a public statement hearing concerning the request of New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) for approval to build a transmission line that would encompass 11.1 Miles of 115 Kilovolt Transmission Lines and related facilities in the Towns of Chatham, Ghent, and Stockport, in Columbia County. NYSEG also seeks a water quality certification for this project.

During the public information forum, the New York State Department of Public Service Staff (Staff) provided a brief overview of the Public Service Law Article VII Certification process; and NYSEG provided a brief description of the project. Both Staff and NYSEG representatives were available to respond to questions from the public. During the public statement hearing, members of the public had an opportunity to present their comments before the Administrative Law Judge.

The Public Statement Hearing was held on June 14, 2013 at the West Ghent Fire Company Station in Ghent, NY.   

New York State Certification Review Process for Major Electric Transmission Lines

Article VII of the New York State Public Service Law establishes the review process for consideration of any application to construct and operate an electric transmission line with a design capacity of 100 kilovolts or more, extending for at least ten miles. The Commission received this application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from New York State Electric and Gas Corporation on May 24, 2012.

The public statement hearing identified in this fact sheet is being held along the proposed route, affording the public the opportunity to comment on the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation project.

The PSC must decide whether to grant or deny the application and make findings on:

• The basis of need for the facility, and conformance with plans for electric grid expansion
• The nature of environmental impacts, and that impacts are minimized
• Conformance with local laws and regulations, or the need for waiver of those laws and regulations
• Public interest, convenience and necessity.

 How to Obtain Information

To review the project’s Article VII application documents and other material pertaining to the case, including a Summary and Description of Studies of the Environmental Impact of the Proposed Facility, click here.

For more information on the proposed route, and ways to comment please click here for the fact sheet on this case.