NYRI can't fight the heat

NORWICH – Officials monitoring the state’s energy supply say high temperatures will result in a record demand of electricity today, breaking the high mark set Tuesday.

The New York Independent System Operator, a non-profit organization charged with administering New York’s electricity grid since 1999, said customers relied on 33,500 megawatts during the peak hour yesterday, the highest figure in state history. NYISO spokesperson Ken Klapp said they expect peak consumer usage to top-out at 34,000 megawatts today.

New York Regional Interconnect Inc., the Albany-based company proposing to build a controversial high voltage electricity transmission line from Marcy to Rock Tavern, was recently turned back during state approval proceedings for not providing the effect its project would have on days with peak demand.

“The abbreviated study provided by the applicant only provides information about facilities that adjoin the Edic and Rock Tavern substations,” states a letter from Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary of the New York state Public Service Commission. “The missing study must show the impact of the proposed facility on all of the transmission interfaces, expected flows on transmission lines during peak load, and emergency conditions, and the effects on stability of the interconnected transmission system.”

Since www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI’s project announcement in late March, heavy opposition to power line has arisen along the 200-mile corridor. Citizens, businesses, and government officials have questioned the project’s intentions and necessity, specifically voicing concern about the impact the line would have on health, local economies, scenic views and environments.

NYRI has previously testified that its project would take “surplus” electricity from upstate to relieve energy constraints downstate, admitting the power line would raise energy rates above Orange County $166 million annually. Host communities along the power line would not be able to tap into the energy, and NYRI officials have contended that the benefits to these communities would be “intangible.”