The New York State Public Service Commission has scheduled a virtual public statement hearing for January 9, 2026, to gather feedback on an application submitted by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, operating as National Grid. The application seeks approval for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need under Article VII of the Public Service Law.
If approved, the certificate would allow National Grid to reconstruct its 115 kilovolt transmission line between the proposed Beaver River Substation in Croghan, Lewis County, and the existing Porter Substation in Marcy, Oneida County. The project spans approximately 60 miles and includes decommissioning the Taylorville and Boonville substations as well as constructing new substations in Leyden and Croghan. The affected areas include several towns and villages across Lewis and Oneida counties.
The Commission may approve, reject, or modify National Grid’s proposal after considering input from involved parties and the public. An Administrative Law Judge will oversee the collection of comments and evidence related to this project.
A virtual information forum will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the public statement hearing at 3:30 p.m. on January 9. During the forum, maps of the proposed route will be available for review. Representatives from the Department of Public Service will explain the certification process, while National Grid will summarize its project proposal. Members of the public can ask questions about both the process and pending application.
Those wishing to comment during the hearing must register by January 7 at 3:00 p.m., either online through https://dps.ny.gov/calendar or by phone at 1-800-342-3330. Instructions for accessing both electronic and phone-only participation are provided in advance.
Individuals who only wish to listen can join via phone without registering. Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities or those needing language assistance; requests should be made at least ten days before the hearing by calling or emailing contacts listed by the Department.
For people unable or preferring not to speak during the hearing, written comments referencing “Case 25-T-0178” can be submitted electronically through www.dps.ny.gov or mailed to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary of the Public Service Commission in Albany until April 30, 2026. Comments received after this date may not be considered.
Additionally, individuals can submit opinions by calling a toll-free line at any time; these remarks are summarized for Commissioners but not transcribed verbatim.
According to information provided on the Department of Public Service website, all documents related to this case—including public comments—can be accessed online using case number “25-T-0178.”
“During the virtual information forum, maps of the proposed route will be available to review. Department representatives will provide an overview of the Commission’s certification process and National Grid will present a summary of the project. Members of the public will then have an opportunity to ask questions about the process and National Grid’s pending application.”
“The information forum will be followed by a public statement hearing where those wishing to comment on National Grid’s application will have an opportunity to make a statement on record before the ALJ.”
“All participants will be muted upon entry into the virtual public statement hearing. The ALJ will call upon each person who has registered to make a statement and will continue until everyone who has registered has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made.”
