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:
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.
The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on April 3, 2020, provides for the “timely and cost-effective construction of new, expanded and upgraded distribution... to achieve clean energy and environmental targets established in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.” The Act directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to identify projects for which "there is a need to proceed expeditiously to promote the State's public policy goals."
On July 2, 2020, NYPA submitted a petition to the PSC for the development of the Smart Path Connect (formerly the Northern New York Priority Transmission Project) which was approved by an order dated October 15, 2020. The Project is a multi-faceted project that includes completion of the second phase of NYPA’s 86-mile Smart Path Moses-Adirondack rebuild, rebuilding approximately 45 miles of transmission eastward from Massena to the Town of Clinton, known as the Northern Alignment, and rebuilding approximately 55 miles of transmission southward from Croghan to Marcy, known as the Southern Alignment, as well as rebuilding and expanding several substations along the impacted transmission corridor. The work falls almost exclusively within existing transmission rights-of-way.
Why is this work being done?
The wooden structures currently in place for most of the project length and related infrastructure are aging and vulnerable to harsh weather. Maintenance is more frequent and difficult because compatible materials are not readily available. Additionally, most of the work will involve upgrading the existing lines from 230kV to 345kV, increasing power flow capability.
Are there any other benefits of this work?
Rebuilding the line so it is all on steel structures will reduce maintenance and improve resiliency, allowing for a more efficient, reliable flow of electricity. Use of local trades and businesses during design, permitting & construction. Increased activity at restaurants, hotels and suppliers.
Has any thought been given to placing the new line underground?
Placing the line underground, much of which is rock, is not technically or economically feasible.
How can the public get involved?
The public will have many opportunities for providing input through the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Article VII environmental review process that is required for the rebuilding. NYPA will make all project applications and related information publicly available. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) reviews input from public, stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
Have environmental impacts been factored into the Design?
Yes. The proposed steel monopoles have a smaller footprint on the land than the current wooden H-frames. Approximately 50 percent fewer structures will be needed due to longer spans between monopoles.
What is the schedule for work and when will it be completed?
Licensing and engineering studies began in 2020 and will continue through 2021. Construction to rebuild the line is expected to begin in 2022 and end in approximately 2025.
NYPA and National Grid hosted a series of public meetings or webinar events for soliciting community input on the Project.
The Public Meeting Webinars (held in April 2021) were thirty-minute presentations, followed by a Q&A session. Participants had the opportunity to view preliminary designs, ask questions and offer comments.
The webinars were recorded and will be posted to this webpage at a later date.
Presentations focusing on the Northern Alignment from Massena to Clinton were hosted on Tuesday, April 6 at 2 pm, and Thursday, April 8 at 6 pm.
Presentations focusing on the Southern Alignment from Croghan to Marcy were hosted on Thursday, April 8 at 2 pm, and Tuesday, April 13 at 6 pm.
November 21, 2023: Governor Hochul announced progress on the Smart Path Connect project
December 9, 2022: Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on Smart Path Connect Transmission Line
August 11, 2022: Governor Hochul Announces Approval of Major Upstate Transmission Line
March 30, 2021:New York Power Authority Board of Trustees Approves Northern New York Priority Transmission Project Plan
December 9, 2020: NYPA Approves New Strategic Plan to Provide Clean Energy Roadmap for Next Decade
October 30, 2020: NYPA Invites Interested Parties to Propose Co-Participant Roles for the Development of the Northern New York Priority Transmission Project
October 15, 2020: First Transmission Project Moves Forward Under Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act
NYPA and National Grid will pursue certification and regulatory review through the New York Public Service Commission’s Article VII Process. The Article VII process requires a full environmental review of any major transmission facility’s siting, design, construction, and operation in New York State.
The project will comply with all applicable state and federal laws. Certificates and permits will be sought from the appropriate agencies including the New York State Public Service Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Office.
October 22, 2025
Land Surveying, Right-of-Way (ROW) Access, and Restoration Work:
Survey crews are marking ROW limits, work zones, and access points along the project corridor near the Iroquois Pipeline. Access roads and work pads are being reclaimed and restoration work is occurring in the Towns of Boonville, Trenton, and Steuben. Crews are removing the old structures in the Town of Croghan.
Substation Work: Crews continue civil work and installing and testing equipment at the Austin Road substations.
October 3, 2025 New York Power Authority Construction Update
Substation Two Week Look Ahead
Week Ending 10/5/2025
Haverstock (200 Fregoe Road, Massena NY):
· Energize Haverstock MW2 Terminal
Adirondack (7802 Effley Falls Road, Croghan NY):
· TRC continues testing and commissioning efforts in control enclosure
· Operations hang tags in preparation for energization
Willis 345/230kV (895 County Route 33, Chateaugay NY):
· Energize Willis MW2 Terminal
Marcy (Glass Factory Road, Utica NY):
· Crew offsite
Patnode (100 Patnode Road, Churubusco, NY):
· Implement WPN1 setting changes
Ryan (500 Ryan Road, Churubusco, NY):
· Crew offsite
Massena (524 County Road 37, Massena, NY):
· Crew offsite
October 3, 2025 New York Power Authority Construction Update
Transmission Line Two Week Look Ahead
Week Ending 10/5/25:
Haverstock Substation to Adirondack Substation Transmission Lines
- Prep for cut in of line MA1 at both Haverstock and Adirondack substations
- Prep for cut in of line 12 at Adirondack substation
- Restoration
Haverstock Substation to Willis Substation
- Cleanup efforts at both cut in sites Willis/Haverstock substations
- Restoration
Willis to Ryan to Patnode Substation
- Restoration
Week Ending 10/12/25:
Haverstock Substation to Adirondack Substation Transmission Lines
- Cut in MA1 at both Haverstock and Adirondack substations
- Cut in Line 12 at Adirondack substation
Haverstock Substation to Willis Substation
- Restoration
Willis to Ryan to Patnode Substation
- Restoration
Jeff Farrell
Real Estate Administrator
Phone: 315-764-6837
Karen White
Manager, Community Relations
New York Power Authority
Phone: 315-764-6863
Or call: 866-697-8758
For Landowner consultations along the Southern Alignment, please contact:
Amy Rood
Stakeholder Relations
nationalgrid
Phone: 315-401-0065