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National Grid outlines Ingams–Rotterdam transmission rebuild, says construction in Rotterdam expected in 2029
Summary
National Grid told the Rotterdam Town Board it will rebuild a roughly 65-mile, 115 kV Ingams–Rotterdam transmission line and replace lattice towers with double-circuit monopoles; construction in Rotterdam is planned for 2029 pending state Article 7 approval and other permits.
Nicole Mer, a member of National Grid’s project engagement team, told the Rotterdam Town Board that the Ingams–Rotterdam transmission rebuild is part of the utility’s Upstate Upgrade program and will replace existing 115-kilovolt lattice structures with double-circuit monopoles. “The Ingams to Rotterdam transmission rebuild project is an approximately 65 mile 115 KV line rebuild,” Mer said, adding the work includes about 5.44 miles of upgrades within the town of Rotterdam and will terminate at the existing Rotterdam substation.
Mer said the project stays within the existing transmission corridor through sensitive areas including the Plotterkill Preserve and will require vegetation removal for required clearances. She described two common foundation methods and the on-site assembly of pole sections, and she warned that construction can require temporary access roads, matting, large truck movements and, at times, temporary road closures or traffic control during stringing. “Temporary power outages may be necessary during the stringing process to ensure the safety of our construction crews and the power grid,” she said.
National Grid outlined the approvals the project must secure before construction: a New York State Public Service Commission Article 7 certificate of environmental compatibility and public need; a DEC general permit for construction stormwater (SWPPP); New York State Department of Transportation utility permits; Canal Corporation crossing permits; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sections 404 and 10 approvals; railroad license agreements and local highway work permits. Mer said National Grid has filed the Article 7 application and is awaiting a public statement hearing and later will file an Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) with additional public comment opportunities.
Board members and residents asked whether helicopters would be used for construction; National Grid said it does not anticipate aerial work for this rebuild. The company also confirmed that separate battery-storage projects discussed by residents are not part of this transmission rebuild. Mer said preliminary construction work will begin at the western end of the line in fall 2027 and that work in Rotterdam is not scheduled to start until 2029.
Why it matters: the project will alter visible transmission structures, require new easement rights in some locations, and could affect recreation and conserved corridors where the line follows an existing right-of-way. The company said it will work with landowners on access agreements and with community groups and trail associations to minimize impacts and to communicate closures and detours. National Grid provided a project website and a hotline for questions and noted the program is expected to create jobs while modernizing the regional grid.
Next steps: National Grid awaits scheduling of the Article 7 public statement hearing and said the EM&CP will include detailed maps and a public comment period. Residents were told to use the project hotline and website for updates and for survey participation regarding farming and land use.
