Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) released the following statement today in reaction to the Public Service Commission (PSC) affirming the need for upgrades to transmission in New York. Included is a letter dated Jan. 4, 2017 from Assemblyman Barclay to the Public Service Commission advocating for the transmission upgrades.

“Improving transmission has long been a priority of mine. Upstate generators have the capacity to produce more power but have been limited because of congestion points along the grid. I am pleased the Public Service Commission reaffirmed the need for transmission upgrades. In doing so, the PSC gives the New York Independent System Operators the authority to now select a transmission project.

These badly needed upgrades will help the state move forward in modernizing the grid to improve transmission and efficiency, and address a long-standing infrastructure need. This process, which began in 2012, will benefit upstate power generators and will deliver power more efficiently and cost effectively to downstate consumers. This in turn supports power generated in New York state and has the potential to attract future economic development here.