Q: What does “NYRI” stand for?

A: The initials “NYRI” stand for “New York Regional Interconnection”, a proposed electrical transmission line project that will run a HVDC power line from the Edic substation in Marcy , New York to Rock Tavern in Orange County , New York .

Q: Why are they building a High Voltage DC line instead of another High Voltage AC line like the Marcy South line?  What’s the difference?

A: With today’s technology, a typical HVDC line can be designed to be less costly to run the same distance as an equivalent AC line that transmits the level of power.

Q: Who is proposing to build the power line?

A: “ New York Regional Interconnect, Inc.”, an independent New York corporation formed in April, 2005.

Q: Where can I find out more information about NYRI, Inc.?

A: http://www.nyri.us or by calling toll free to1-877-394-6974.

Q: Who owns NYRI, Inc.?

A: American Consumer Industries Inc. (ACI) owns 50% of Colmac NYRI, Inc. which owns 100% of NYRI, Inc.

Q: Where can I find out more information about ACI?

A: http://www.aciinc.net

Q: What is a “National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor” (NIETC) and what does it have to do with this project?

A: A “NIETC” is defined as a “geographic area experiencing (electrical) transmission constraints”. For the purposes of this project, NYRI, Inc. has applied to the Department of Energy (DOE) to designate their proposed route as a NIETC corridor. Once designated, the route could be used for most any energy-related infrastructure including transmission lines.

Q: Where can I learn more about “NIETC(s)”?

A: http://www.oe.energy.gov

Q: Don’t we already have lines that go down there?

A: Yes, power currently flows downstate from three outgoing 345-kv lines from the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Fredrick R. Clark Energy Center in Marcy , New York .

Q: Where can I learn more about the Fredrick R. Clark Energy Center ?

A: http://www.nypa.gov

Q: Who decides if they can build this power line?

A: The New York State Public Services Commission (PSC) makes the final decision for any application to construct and operate a major electrical transmission line and facility in New York State .

Q: Where can I find out more about the PSC and the approval process?

A: www.dps.state.ny.us  or www.AskPSC.com or by writing to:

New York State Department of Public Service
Office of Consumer Services
Three Empire Plaza
Albany , New York 12223-1350

Or

By calling Toll-Free: 1-877-772-2789

Q: Will my electric rates increase if this project is completed?

A: Yes, upstate consumers can expect a 3% increase in their electric rates the first year, after that, basic laws of supply and demand will determine the cost of electricity in the upstate area.

Q: Is it true we already pay some of the highest electrical rates in the nation?

A: Yes, New York ’s rates* are second only to Hawaii in the average retail cost of electricity.

*http://www.ppinys.org/reports/jtf2004/electricprice/htm

Q: Are there any health hazards associated with living near these power lines?

A: Although there is no definitive proof that living near a HVDC power line is dangerous, there are numerous reports that suggest that there may be a correlation. Our County Health Department will be looking into this issue and will advise us accordingly.

Q: If they (NYRI) follow the RR right-of-ways won’t it go through a lot of towns and villages?

A: Yes, the proposed route crosses seven counties, one city, seven villages, and thirty towns in its 190 mile journey

Q: What cities, towns and villages are affected in Oneida County ?

A: Utica , Marcy, Whitestown, New Hartford , Paris , Marshall , Sangerfield

Q: What’s the county’s position on all of this?

A: The County is opposed to the construction of the power line because of Health, Environmental, Aesthetic, and Economic concerns with the project.