The New York State Public Service Commission will hold a virtual public statement hearing on February 24, 2026, to gather input regarding a proposed transmission line rebuild in Erie and Wyoming counties. The application for the project was filed by New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) on August 8, 2025, under Article VII of the Public Service Law. NYSEG seeks a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to reconstruct an existing 230-kilovolt transmission line between the Stolle Road Substation in Elma and the High Sheldon Substation in Sheldon. The proposed route covers approximately 11 miles through the towns of Elma, Marilla, and Wales in Erie County and Sheldon in Wyoming County.
According to the application, the rebuilt transmission line would use part of the current right-of-way (ROW), which ranges from 225 feet to 500 feet wide. In some sections, NYSEG plans to expand this ROW by up to 90 feet, primarily northeast of the existing line’s centerline.
Under state law, the Commission has authority to approve or reject NYSEG’s proposal entirely or partially or modify it after considering feedback from participants and members of the public.
A virtual hearing will be held before an Administrative Law Judge at 1:00 p.m. on February 24. Members of the public who wish to make statements must register by 4:30 p.m. on February 23. Registration can be completed online at https://dps.ny.gov/calendar or by phone at 1-800-342-3330 for those unable to access electronic platforms.
Participants are encouraged to select either “call me” or “call using computer” when joining electronically. Those participating by phone should call 1-929-251-9612 using access code 2827 226 0978 and password 33224017.
People who want only to listen can join via phone without registering as speakers. All attendees will be muted upon entry; registered speakers will be called individually. Time limits may apply for each speaker so that all voices can be heard efficiently; lengthy comments should be summarized orally with full versions submitted in writing.
A transcript of proceedings will be posted on the Department of Public Service’s website after the event.
Accommodations are available for people with disabilities or language needs through dedicated contact numbers listed by the Department.
For those unable or unwilling to speak during the hearing, written comments referencing “Case 25-T-0470” may be submitted until March 31, either online at www.dps.ny.gov—by searching for case number “25-T-0470”—or mailed directly to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany. Electronic submissions are preferred for efficiency.
Additionally, comments may be provided any time via a toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120; summaries from these calls are forwarded to commissioners but not transcribed verbatim.
###
