The controversial power line installation project between East Hampton and PSEG has been endorsed by the state’s Department of Public Service according to articles in the the Port Washington Patch and Newsday.
“The projects are necessary to ensure reliability of the electric system in each of those areas,” a Department of Public Services staff report obtained by Patch stated. “Because of the increased demand in summer, the project should be completed prior to the summer of 2014,” according to the report.”
"The new poles are designed to withstand a Category III hurricane which increases system reliability," the report stated.
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“We appreciate the Department’s quick response in their review," said Jeff Weir, a spokesman for PSEG-LI.
"Completing these transmission projects will ensure that our customers have the reliable electric service that they deserve this summer," he added. "We take very seriously the Department’s recommendations on our public outreach process and will continue to engage the community on these major projects.”
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According to a story in The East Hampton Star on Feb. 5, 2014, the new lines will be capable of transmitting a “13-kilovolt distribution line, Bob Parkinson, the PSEG project manager, said. That line is to be transferred to new poles that will also carry a new, 23-kilovolt-transmission line. The latter would be capable of transmitting 33 kilovolts if necessary."
A number of local leaders asked the state to intervene in the project, including Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell as well as the advocacy group Save East Hampton.
The DPS report not only endorsed the contested cable project in East Hampton but also in Great Neck and Port Washington.
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