The New York State Public Service Commission will hold a virtual public statement hearing on December 9, 2025, to gather input regarding an application by the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG). The application seeks approval under Public Service Law Article VII for the Southern Tier Area Reliability West Project.
NYSEG’s proposal includes rebuilding and partially rerouting approximately 34 miles of the existing line 962, a 115-kilovolt electric transmission line. The line runs from the Hillside substation in Elmira to the South Owego substation in Owego, passing through Chemung and Tioga counties. The project also involves expanding the Watercure substation in Elmira and relocating the Lounsberry Substation in Nichols. NYSEG states that these upgrades are needed to maintain safe and reliable service and support climate change goals in its Binghamton and Elmira divisions.
The Commission has authority under state law to approve, reject, or modify NYSEG’s proposal after considering feedback from participants and the public.
A virtual public statement hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Electronic access will be available via meetny-gov.webex.com with event number 2830 568 7211 and password Dec9-1pm. Phone-only access can be reached at 1-929-251-9612 using the same access code.
Those wishing to make a public statement must register by Friday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m. Registration for electronic participation can be completed by visiting https://dps.ny.gov/calendar and following instructions under “Southern Tier Area Reliability West Project Public Statement Hearing.” Registrants will receive confirmation emails with further details.
Participants unable to join electronically may register by phone at 1-800-342-3330 by providing their name, address, and phone number. On the day of the hearing, call-in participants should dial in using the provided number and access code.
Anyone interested may listen without making a statement by calling into the hearing. All participants will be muted upon entry; those registered to speak will be called upon individually by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Time limits may apply to ensure all voices are heard. Written comments are encouraged for lengthy statements.
A verbatim transcript of proceedings will become part of the official record.
Individuals requiring accommodations due to disabilities should contact Human Resources Management at 518-473-9463 or use TDD services via New York Relay Service at 711 for sign language interpretation requests. Free language assistance is available through the Department at 1-800-342-3377 for those needing help understanding or reading English.
For those unable or preferring not to comment during the hearing, written comments referencing “Case 25-T-0080” can be submitted online through www.dps.ny.gov or mailed to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary of Public Service Commission at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany before April 30, 2026. Comments received after this date may not be considered.
Comments can also be left on a toll-free opinion line at 1-800-335-2120; these are summarized for review but not transcribed verbatim.
