Need or Greed?

There hasn't been much word about the proposed "energy superhighway" that would pass through Columbia and Dutchess counties lately, not since it was announced, in January, that the Public Service Commission would be presenting new siting standards to the four project developers: New York Transco, NextEra Energy, North America Transmission, and Boundless Energy. In August, the PSC released a proposed outline for moving forward that basically starts the whole process over again--without addressing any of the concerns raised by the Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition. The deadline for submitting plans is now January 15. Developers may submit their original plan, a modified plan, or an alternative plan that stays within existing rights of way, but there is no obligation or incentive to submit such an alternative.

A basic concern about the energy superhighway, which would negatively impact the Hudson Valley in so many ways, is that there has never been an independent study that establishes the need for these transmission upgrades--one that takes into account trends in electricity usage, technological innovation, parallel generation, and advances in demand side management. There is only the assumption of need.

In June, Gidon Eshel, research professor at Bard College, proposed doing an objective, unbiased, fact-based study about the need for transmission upgrades. That study has now been completed. Eshel's analysis is based on publicly available date provided by NYISO (New York Independent Systems Operator) and other credible sources and has been subjected to peer review. 

On Saturday, October 18, at 1 p.m., Eschel will present his findings in an informational meeting at the Churchtown Firehouse, 2668 County Road 27. At this meeting, the answer will be provided to the question: "Need or Greed?"
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