Representatives from the Propel NY Energy project met with several local communities over the past few weeks, updating Nassau County residents about the progress on its project expected to begin construction later this year.
The $3.2 billion Propel NY Energy project is expected to begin construction later this year, with its preferred route running in or adjacent to 18 Nassau villages.
The project, which is a collaboration of the New York Power Authority and New York Transco, a New York developer, owner and operator of bulk electrical transmission facilities, intends to improve the region’s electrical system and is set to install 58 miles of underground power transmission lines throughout Nassau County.
It would begin in Westchester and the Bronx and cross portions of Queens, adding miles of submarine electric transmission cables, predominantly in the Hempstead Harbour and Long Island Sound.
The project would establish three ties between Long Island and the statewide power grid, mostly utilizing 345kV transmission lines. Propel expects to begin construction in 2026 and plans to be in service by May 2030.
Officials say they have a “preferred route” for the transmission lines within Nassau County, one created with consideration for residents and municipalities, that runs through or adjacent to 18 villages and will be present in all three Nassau County towns.
Officials for the project met with community members in Syosset, Rockville Centre, Plainview, Manhasset, Uniondale, Oceanside, Shelter Rock, Farmingdale, Hempstead and Glen Head, giving residents along the path the opportunity to ask questions and receive the up‑to‑date information about the project.
On March 11, Propel NY Energy also hosted a webinar that was attended by roughly 100 people, providing similar information to the community. Officials for the project said scheduled webinars are part of Propel’s community outreach as the project continues.
Propel was awarded the project bid in 2023 and has since conducted pre-permitting outreach and survey work. The project is now in the permitting process, with construction expected to begin later this year.
The state Independent System Operator previously released reports projecting an increased risk of power disturbances as early as 2026 on Long Island due to both generation and transmission constraints, underscoring the need for the project.
The state Independent System Operator, a nonprofit corporation that manages the state’s electric grid and ensures power reliability, said again in early March that the project was needed after the region was blanketed by snow from Winter Storm Fern in late January.
The corporation said in its March report that Propel NY Energy would have brought many benefits during the storm, including greater access to generation, reduced emergency procedures, and a balance of supply and demand.
“As extreme weather becomes more frequent and complex, transmission investments like Propel NY will play an essential role in strengthening New York’s ability to maintain reliability in all seasons,” the state Independent System Operator, the report said.
