The New York State Public Service Commission has scheduled a virtual public statement hearing for December 9, 2025, to discuss a proposal from the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG). NYSEG is seeking approval under Article VII of the Public Service Law for the Southern Tier Area Reliability West Project. The project would involve rebuilding and partially rerouting a 115-kilovolt transmission line known as line 962, which runs about 34 miles between substations in Elmira and Owego, crossing Chemung and Tioga counties. The plan also includes 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 to support climate change goals within its Binghamton and Elmira divisions. The Commission will review public input before making a decision on whether to approve, reject, or modify the proposal.
The virtual hearing will begin at 1:00 p.m. on December 9. Those wishing to speak must register by 3:00 p.m. on December 5. Registration can be completed online through the Department of Public Service calendar or by phone for those unable to access the internet. Details for joining electronically or by phone are provided on the Department of Public Service website.
Participants who wish only to listen may do so by calling into the hearing using the provided access code. All speakers will be called upon by an Administrative Law Judge during the session, and time limits may be set to ensure all voices are heard. A full transcript will be included in the official record.
People with disabilities needing accommodations should contact Human Resources at 518-473-9463 or use relay services for sign language interpretation. Free language assistance is available for individuals with limited English proficiency by calling 1-800-342-3377.
Those unable or preferring not to comment during the hearing have until April 30, 2026, to submit feedback referencing “Case 25-T-0080.” Comments can be submitted electronically via the Commission’s website, mailed directly to Secretary Michelle L. Phillips at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany, or given over the toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120.
All comments received according to instructions will be posted publicly online under case number “25-T-0080.” Late submissions may not be considered by the Commission.
