What is the Empire State Line?

The Empire State Line includes two new 345 kV switchyards located in the towns of Royalton and Elma and a 20-mile, 345 kV transmission line connecting the switchyards that traverse the towns of Royalton, Newstead, Alden, Lancaster and Elma. The project also includes a phase-angle regulator to control power flows across the line.

The Dysinger switchyard in Royalton is the new transmission hub in western New York, connecting a total of seven 345 kV lines, and provides a backbone for future renewable resource integration.

 

How will the western New York region benefit from the project?

The Empire State Line addresses congestion of the electric grid in western New York by enabling better power flow and stabilizing prices. According to an analysis by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the Empire State Line is expected to save electric customers in western New York approximately $230 million over the next 20 years. 

 

What other benefits does the Empire State Line bring to the region?

The new Dysinger substation, located at the north end of the transmission line in the Town of Royalton, features a 700 MVA phase angle regulator, making it the new 345 kV hub in western New York. This switchyard increases grid reliability and provides the needed capacity to support additional renewable generation development.

 

What are the environmental impacts or benefits?

NextEra Energy Transmission New York, Inc. (NEETNY) constructed the Empire State Line within existing utility rights-of-way to minimize potential environmental impacts to habitat, wildlife and vegetation, wetlands, visual and cultural resources, and landowners. Potential impacts were fully studied and reviewed during the Article VII environmental permitting process.

Environmental benefits of the Empire State Line:

  • Improves the flow of renewable energy throughout western New York.
  • Provides greater access to existing renewable energy facilities in western New York.
  • Supports the development of new renewable generation to support New York state’s goal of having 70% of the state’s energy coming from renewable resources by 2030.
  • An analysis conducted by the NYISO projected that the project will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7.4 MM tons. 
 

Did NEETNY reach out to the Native American communities?

Yes, NEETNY coordinated and engaged with the Native American communities.

 

When was the project completed and operational?

The Empire State Line was completed and in-service on June 1, 2022. Restoration activities will continue through the fall of 2022. 

 

Did the Empire State Line request any tax abatements?

No, this project did not seek or receive any property or sales tax abatements.

 

Where can I find a copy of the Article VII application?

The Article VII application is posted on the NYS Department of Public Service website. Physical copies of the Article VII application are also available at the following local repositories:

  •    Clarence Public Library
  •    Eden Library
  •    Elma Public Library
  •    Lancaster Public Library
  •    Marilla Free Library
  •    Newstead Public Library
  •    Royalton-Hartland Community Library