The Smart Path Connect Transmission Project

Smart Path Connect is a part of a comprehensive portfolio of transmission upgrades being undertaken across New York State to support New York State’s clean energy goals. Together, the projects will enable the flow of an additional 1,000 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy across New York State.


NYPA is undertaking the Smart Path Connect transmission project with National Grid. The project will rebuild approximately 100 miles of transmission. including approximately 55 miles running East-West to be rebuilt by NYPA, and 45 miles running North-South to be rebuilt by National Grid. The work will involve replacing aging wood H-frames with steel poles almost exclusively within existing transmission rights-of-way and replace or upgrade approximately 10 substations along the project path.


Project Benefits:


  • Increases power flow capacity
  • Improves asset condition
  • Increases transmission system resilience to severe weather events
  • Creates longer spans between poles
  • Uses fewer poles and less land
  • Reduces transmission system congestion
  • Creates hundreds of local jobs during construction
  • New York’s Green Energy Superhighway

    Smart Path Connect is critical to realizing the full potential of renewable energy in the Northern New York area and meeting the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets.


    The project complements and expands upon both NYPA’s Smart Path which was completed in June 2023, and the Central East Energy Connect transmission upgrade project which NYPA undertook with LS Power Grid New York in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region. View map.


    With the addition of the Smart Path Connect, these investments will establish a continuous, more resilient 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission path that greatly expands the deliverability of renewable power from northern and central regions to high demand areas across the state. The transmission work being undertaken by NYPA is also consistent with the Power Authority’s new VISION2030 Strategic Plan which is focused on helping New York meet its clean energy goal of having a zero-carbon emission energy system by 2040.

    Did You Know?
    VISION2030: Transmission
    NYPA’s VISION2030 plan includes NYPA’s intention to facilitate the rapid development of transmission assets to achieve the clean energy goals of NYS.
    Map of Smart Path Connect
    The Smart Path Connect in two sections: one from Massena to Clinton and one from Croghan to Marcy.
    In the Press
    In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced progress on the Smart Path Connect project

    Rebuild

    Approx. 100 miles of transmission

    Upgrade

    Approx. 10 substations

    Energize

    A continuous 345 kilo-volt (kV) transmission path