NORWICH – Two years ago, New York Regional Interconnect said its power line would raise electricity rates upstate.
New studies now show NYRI’s power line would not only lower wholesale energy costs by 5.7 percent in most parts of this region in the next 10 years, but would also encourage investment in renewable energy as well, company officials contend.
So was it a blessing in disguise then that these latest studies were ordered by the PSC, considering how flattering the new information appears to be compared to NYRI’s first round of claims?
NYRI attorney Leonard Singer doesn’t think so.
“I wouldn’t characterize it as a blessing in disguise,” Singer said, adding that it’s “a positive for everyone” that more up-to-date scientific, environmental and economic information was “fleshed-out” this time around. NYRI’s first Article VII permit application was ruled deficient.
Company officials offered summary information of their newest Article VII filing Friday, discussing with reporters the highlights of the proposal, including various plans to underground the line and the potential for opening the grid for wind power and other projects.
Singer and company President Chris Thompson reiterated that NYRI would not seek to use the Interstate 90 Thruway corridor, citing federal laws prohibiting it. Thompson added that there are many misconceptions about the power line developer, including claims that it wants to by-pass the state review process in favor of a new, controversial, federal fast-track policy.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Thompson, referring to contentions that NYRI wants to seek review in Washington rather than Albany.
During the 45-minute conference, the group also discounted claims that the line could be buried, saying it was too expensive.
“It would be a prohibitive expense,” said Thompson.
The company did bury several portions of the line, with one such segment in Chenango County.
Congressman Michael Arcuri (D-Utica) said he isn’t buying the positive twist on NYRI’s new filing.
“In its report, NYRI attempts to cut off opposition with false tokens of change,” Arcuri said. “By proposing to bury various sections and throwing out multiple mini-alternatives, NYRI achieves nothing more than a failed attempt at divide and conquer. NYRI’s public relations strategy runs parallel to its proposal – both are ill-conceived and poorly planned.”
NYRI’s new filing is being reviewed for completeness by the PSC.
“The New York Regional Interconnect supplemental filing is currently being reviewed by the staff of the Department of Public Service,” wrote PSC spokesman James Denn in an electronic mail message Friday. “The applicant will be notified of the results of the review, which will focus on whether Public Service Law and applicable rules and regulations were met. After the application is found to be complete, public hearings will be scheduled.”