The 19th and 20th Century build out of generation plants, substations, and transmission and distribution lines gave us today’s electric grid - a vital component of our modern daily life. Since then, limited grid updates or modernization has occurred, while our reliance on plug in devices and demand for electricity has steadily increased. Meanwhile, states are working to achieve climate goals and carbon reduction by powering up cleaner sources of energy. The federal government looked to advance electric grid investment with the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. And utilities, private developers and technology companies are innovating and reimagining the energy future. The result is once-in-a-generation opportunities to modernize our aging grid system, increase grid reliability, resiliency and redundancy, and meet the demands of today and future growth.

To mark the dawn of the much-needed grid evolution, RPA is presenting a webinar series called Next Gen Grid, featuring critical projects underway in our region representing the grid of tomorrow. Each webinar will spotlight a panel of experts who will introduce the project, offer up insights into its needs, share what is required to get it done, and provide national and statewide context for the generational shift that is underway.

The first project, Propel NY Energy, is a public / private collaboration that aims to increase the transmission capacity and reliability of the New York State power grid. Through the installation of 90 miles of new underground and submarine transmission lines and new and upgraded substations, the Propel project will help to decongest our aging grid infrastructure and is an example of core infrastructure that will enable us to meet our ever-increasing energy demands.

Electric transmission is complex, but the facts are simple: investment is needed now. Hear from two New York companies leading the effort to advance Propel NY Energy, the independent organization that oversees the state’s grid operations, and a national voice that has championed the necessity to invest in ​“the backbone of the nation’s energy grid.”