The New York State Public Service Commission has scheduled two virtual public statement hearings for January 13, 2026, to gather input on a proposed transmission line project submitted by the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG). The application, filed in April 2025 under Public Service Law Article VII, seeks approval to rebuild, construct, operate, and maintain the Steuben-Chemung Area Transmission Enhancement Project. The project would span 52 miles across Steuben and Chemung counties, including several towns and villages.
The planned transmission line involves work on NYSEG’s existing Lines 68, 69, 72, and 74. The route starts at the Canandaigua Substation in Cohocton and continues through Stoney Ridge Substation in Campbell to Hillside Substation in Elmira, ending at Watercure Substation in Elmira. Most of the work will take place within existing rights-of-way (ROW), but some segments will require expanded or new ROWs with an offset of 65 to 75 feet from current lines. Temporary transmission lines may be used during construction.
NYSEG will need to secure additional property rights to widen ROWs for safety clearances and access during construction. In some cases, further rights outside the ROW may be necessary for tree removal if they pose risks.
The Commission can approve or reject NYSEG’s proposal or make modifications. Input from stakeholders and the public will be considered as part of this process.
Two hearings are scheduled for January 13: one at 2:00 p.m. and another at 6:00 p.m., both accessible electronically via https://meetny-gov.webex.com/ or by phone at 1-929-251-9612 using specific access codes and passwords for each session.
Anyone wishing to speak at a hearing must register by 4:30 p.m. on January 12, either online at https://dps.ny.gov/calendar or by calling 1-800-342-3330. Instructions are provided for both electronic and phone registration.
Participants can listen without speaking by dialing into the hearings using the provided phone number and access codes. All attendees will be muted upon entry; registered speakers will be called upon in turn. Written comments are encouraged for those who have lengthy statements.
A transcript of each hearing will be made available on the Department of Public Service’s website. Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities or those needing language assistance services; contact information is provided for these requests.
Those unable to attend can submit comments referencing “Case 25-T-0246” through several methods until March 31, 2026:
– Online submission via www.dps.ny.gov using the “File Search” function.
– Mail addressed to Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission.
– Toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120 (in-State callers only), where summaries of comments are forwarded to the Commission.
Written comments submitted according to these guidelines will be posted publicly on the Department’s website; late submissions may not be considered.
“Under New York State Law, the Commission may adopt or reject NYSEG’s proposal, in whole or in part, or modify it. In doing so, the Commission will consider input from those participating in this proceeding and the public.”
