Upgrades have begun at the Fourth Street Substation in Ithaca, New York State Electric and Gas said in a statement.
The project aims to increase energy capacity and will help ensure the power stays on for more than 3,400 customers in the community, NYSEG said.
Grid investments like the upgrades at the Fourth Street Substation play a critical role in maintaining safe, reliable, and resilient energy systems for customers, according to the statement.
As communities grow and energy needs evolve, modernizing infrastructure helps ensure the grid can support increased demand, integrate new technologies, and reduce the frequency and duration of outages. These investments are also key to enabling future electrification and supporting economic development, while strengthening the system’s ability to withstand increasingly severe weather and other external challenges.
“The upgrades to the Fourth Street Substation will have a real benefit for our customers in Ithaca,” said Marc Geaumont, president of NYSEG, in a statement.
“Substation upgrades are essential for energy reliability in the communities we serve and help ensure that homes, businesses, and other facilities have power when they need it the most. This project is part of ongoing investments being made to upgrade multiple substations throughout the Ithaca community.”
A look at the upgrades
Upgrades include the installation of two new transformers to improve capacity, new switching equipment, and a modern control building that will assist with safety and communications systems, according to the statement.
NYSEG is improving 22 miles of distribution lines, which will help the substation deliver electricity more reliably to those who utilize it.
Construction began in June and is expected to be completed in 2028.
This project is just one part of the company’s broader plan to modernize the grid across New York.
With growing demand, more extreme weather, and increased electrification, NYSEG is focused on making continued, targeted investments in the energy system, according to the statement.
These upgrades replace older equipment with newer, more reliable technology to improve service, reduce outages, and help ensure communities across the state are better prepared for severe weather and evolving energy needs.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Upgrades underway at Ithaca’s Fourth Street Substation
Reporting by Ithaca Journal / Ithaca Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ithaca Journal | USA TODAY Network
