The state Energy Highway Task Force is seeking ideas from private utilities and developers for potential projects that could be incorporated into Gov. Andrew Cuomo”™s statewide energy highway initiative.
Through the energy initiative, Cuomo hopes to strengthen the state”™s electrical infrastructure while also promoting clean energy technology and economic development opportunities.
“Building a new energy highway for New York State will not only create thousands of jobs, but lay a new foundation for future economic growth,” Cuomo said in a statement. “We have transformed state government to make it a partner for private sector job growth and the energy highway is a prime example of how state government is now partnering with the private sector.”
The energy highway project was announced as part of the governor”™s State of the State address in January.
A key component to the initiative is strengthening the downstate region”™s grid reliability by channeling some of the surplus electricity generated north of the Hudson Valley to downstate counties, New York City and Long Island.
The downstate region is currently a net importer of electricity, a condition that would only become more exaggerated should Indian Point Energy Center”™s two nuclear generators be retired when their respective federal licenses expire.
Cuomo has repeatedly said he opposes the plants”™ licenses being extended by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
As part of its request to utilities and developers, the task force is seeking detailed information on various aspects of electric generation and transmission proposals, including proposals for financing, construction and operation of potential projects.
A conference for respondents and interested parties will be April 19 at the Doubletree Inn in Tarrytown.
Responses to the request for information are due May 30.
Following its review of the responses, the task force will issue an Energy Highway Action Plan this summer.
The task force is co-chaired by Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, and Joseph Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
