NYRI needs ‘do over’ on another application

NORWICH – An application filed by New York Regional Interconnect seeking a federally-guaranteed 13.5 percent return rate on its $2.2 billion investment was ruled incomplete earlier this week.
It’s the third NYRI application that’s been sent back by state and federal energy agencies – the company’s first two permit applications have been turned away by the state Public Service Commission – since the power line project’s inception in March 2006.
In a letter sent May 13, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission notified power line attorney Leonard Singer that NYRI’s petition for rate incentives lacked required technical information and evidence, including justification for a 13.5 percent guaranteed return on investment.
“Please be advised that your submittal is deficient, and that additional information and clarifications are required to process the filing,” the letter states.
NYRI has until May 28 to correct the mistakes, or its application could be rejected completely.
“It will be taken care of,” said NYRI spokesman David Kalson of the deficiencies. “NYRI will get the specified information to FERC within the allotted time period.”
FERC spokeswoman Barbara Connors said requests for further information are not out of the ordinary.
“It is not uncommon for staff to request additional information from an applicant in order for them to adequately evaluate the application,” said Connors.
Citing reports from the state’s electricity grid operator, NYRI opponents argue the power line is not needed to meet the state’s energy needs. Furthermore, they question the developer’s qualifications, believing the project is only a money-making scheme brought on by new federal laws aimed at fast-tracking transmission line investment in the northeast.
“This is nothing new for NYRI. Twice they have applied to the state Public Service Commission only to have their applications returned because they were not complete and properly documented,” said Stop NYRI co-chair Chris Rossi. “Is this the kind of company we want building 130-foot-tall steel towers to support 400,000 volt electrical lines through the backyards of families and through the business districts of our communities?”
Under the 2005 Energy Policy Act, FERC can grant incentives, like guaranteed rate returns that will be paid for by customers, to encourage investment in power line projects. It also has the right to approve power line projects that have already been denied by a state, as long as the state – like New York – is inside what’s called a “National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.”
Twenty-two requests for rate incentives have been whole or partially approved by FERC since July 2006, according to the commission’s Web site. Seven have been fully or partially denied.
“What else will they leave incomplete? What else will they get wrong? What else will they underestimate?” Rossi asked, referring to NYRI’s record of incomplete applications. “With a project of this magnitude that poses such threats to families, communities, our environment and our economy, there can be no do overs. NYRI can’t be allowed to keep saying, ‘Oops.’”
NYRI is proposing to build a 190-mile-long high voltage power line from Oneida to Orange County that would split 44 miles of Chenango. Company officials claim it will relieve energy constraints downstate. Locals fear it will ruin rural landscapes, cause health problems and weaken an already struggling economy.


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