Assemblyman Barclay today attended a briefing by the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) held by the Assembly Energy Committee. Barclay is a member of the Assembly Energy committee and is a proponent of renewable, as well as nuclear, energy.

Both nuclear and renewable energy have the ability to support and create more high-paying jobs in the Central New York region and put more energy on the grid. Creating more power would lower the cost of energy for businesses in New York, said Barclay.

Upgrading our transmission lines is critical to both creating more jobs and lowering the cost of energy, to prevent energy congestion—something that is occurring and contributing to increased energy prices in New York.

A proposal is before the New York State Public Service Commission that would create a new underground line, which would import power from Canada to New York City. Barclay said he is against this new line, and would rather the state upgrade its existing transmission lines. Allowing a new transmission line to be built would give jobs to Canada and put our current transmission system at risk, which could increase energy costs for New York residents. Upgrading current transmission lines would allow more energy companies to hook up to the grid and transmit power throughout the state and to New York City.

“It is critical that we upgrade our current electrical transmission lines and not allow a new underground cable to move forward that would import power from Canada. We are at a critical juncture in our energy future. Future jobs, the cost of energy, and cost of doing business in this state depend on upgrading our current transmission lines,” said Barclay.