Construction is underway on the Empire State Line, a $180 million project to upgrade the energy transmission system serving Western New York with a new 345-kilovolt transmission line across 20 miles in Erie County and Niagara County.
The project is designed to increase transmission capacity and help deliver more renewable hydroelectric power throughout Western New York.
Developed by NextEra Energy Transmission New York, the project puts New York on track to meet its goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which includes a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040, 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality.
The Empire State Line will run from the Town of Royalton in Niagara County through the towns of Alden, Newstead, Lancaster, and Elma in Erie County. It will include a new 345-kV switchyard, the Dysinger Switchyard, in Niagara County; and a second, new switchyard, the East Stolle Switchyard, in Erie County. The line will be carried by steel monopole structures, each 115 feet high, which are 40 feet higher on average and 15 feet narrower than traditional H-frame structures that carry long-distance electricity lines.
Empire State Line construction activity is expected to employ between 120-150 workers, many sourced from local labor organizations.
