The New York State Public Service Commission will hold a series of public statement hearings, both in-person and virtual, regarding an application from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, operating as National Grid. The application seeks approval for the Black River – Beaver River 115 kilovolt (kV) Transmission Rebuild project under Article VII of the Public Service Law.
National Grid filed its application on March 28, 2025. The project proposes to rebuild approximately 27.44 miles of transmission lines between the Black River Substation in LeRay, Jefferson County, and the new Beaver River Substation in Croghan, Lewis County. The work would affect several towns and villages in Jefferson and Lewis counties. The plan includes replacing existing wood and steel structures with new engineered steel monopoles. Most construction would take place within the current right-of-way (ROW), but some segments require a new ROW or expanded easement rights. National Grid may use eminent domain authority to acquire these additional rights if necessary.
According to National Grid, “the project is necessary to ensure its continued provision of safe and reliable service and to achieve the objectives of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act within the Watertown/Oswego/Porter Area of Concern.”
The Commission will consider input from parties involved in the case as well as comments from members of the public before making a decision on whether to approve or modify National Grid’s proposal.
Two in-person hearings are scheduled for December 9, 2025 at Carthage Recreation Building in Carthage, New York—one at 2:00 p.m. and another at 6:00 p.m. No advance appointment is required for those wishing to speak at these sessions; however, attendees must complete a speaker registration card upon arrival.
Virtual public statement hearings will be held on December 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m., accessible via Webex or by phone using provided access codes and passwords. Anyone who wishes to make a statement during these virtual hearings must register by December 9 through https://dps.ny.gov/calendar or by calling 1-800-342-3330.
Each hearing will begin with a brief overview presented by National Grid about the proposed project. Members of the public can ask questions about the transmission rebuild project before making their statements on record before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). All proceedings will be transcribed and made available on the Commission’s website.
Individuals unable or unwilling to attend any hearing have alternative options for submitting comments until January 30, 2026:
– Online submission via www.dps.ny.gov by searching “25-T-0195”;
– Mailing written comments addressed to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary of Public Service Commission;
– Calling toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120 for voice submissions (summarized for review).
All timely submitted written comments will be posted publicly online associated with Case “25-T-0195.” Late submissions may not be considered by the Commission.
Accommodations are available for persons with disabilities or those needing language assistance services; requests should be made ahead of time through contacts provided by the Department.
