Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf

New York Transco is currently developing the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project (RTS), an electric transmission upgrade project that adds needed capacity to the system for facilitating renewable energy resources.

Please visit the Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project website at www.RTSUpgrade.com for more information. Download the RTS fact sheet.

Purpose:

The Rock Tavern to Sugarloaf Project (RTS) will replace and upgrade transmission facilities to add capacity to New York’s bulk electric power system, while enhancing reliability and facilitating clean energy resources in the upstate region to downstate demand centers. The RTS Project supports and maximizes other grid updates being performed.

Description:

RTS will retire, replace and upgrade aging electric infrastructure staying within existing utility rights-of-way and on utility-owned property. Core components of the project include – replacing and existing approx. 12-mile 115 kV electric transmission line on lattice structures from New Windsor, NY to Chester, NY with a new 115 kV line on monopole structures, as well as work at both the existing Rock Tavern substation in New Windsor and the Sugarloaf substation in Chester. New monopole structures will be 6 feet taller on average.

Benefits:

  • Update Aging Infrastructure. The new monopole transmission structures will replace assets approx. 95 years old, with a 6 foot average increase.
  • Improve Resiliency. The increased transfer capability will improve grid resilience grid during stressed system conditions and disruptive events. Additionally, the engineering exceeds minimum standards to withstand storm events.
  • Have Minimal Impact. The project optimizes the use of existing transmission corridors and facilities.
  • Facilitate clean energy resources. The project will help meet key environment and energy goals by moving more renewable resources more efficiently to customers.
  • Increase job opportunities and tax revenues. The project will generate both direct and indirect jobs during construction, operations and maintenance to stimulate positive economic activity. Additionally, the project’s new assets will increase tax revenues paid to each of the municipalities that host the infrastructure, thereby boosting budgets.

Status:

New York Transco kicked off permitting with a submission of an Article VII application (Case Number 20-T-0549) to the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on November 5, 2020. Click HERE for a summary of the Application.

February 25, 2021, the Article VII application was deemed complete by the PSC.

September 9, 2021, the Article VII application was approved by the PSC.

June 2022, construction started.

June 2023, the RTS project was energized.

September 27, 2023, a celebratory event was held in Chester to mark the project success. Click HERE for more information.

Timeline:

2020 – Begin Outreach & kick off Permitting

2020-2022 – Permitting

2022-2023 – Construction

End of 2023 – Energized & In-Service