Tale of Two Grids: Upstate Wind Power Needs More Extension Cords to New York City

May 18, 2017

Power Trends 2017, the annual report from the New York Independent System Operator, reveals that even if developers build the wind and solar farms required to meet Governor Andrew Cuomo's goal of producing 50% of the state's power from renewable sources by 2030, the electric grid requires an upgrade to handle the throughput. Transmission lines between northern and western New York, where most wind and hydroelectric power is produced, and the New York City-Long Island region, where two-thirds of the state's power is used, are overburdened and not equipped to handle the anticipated growth in Upstate renewables. Rich Dewey, executive vice president of the New York Independent System Operator, said: "There is not a single solution. Effectively addressing these issues will require a lot of parts working together.''