The New York State Public Service Commission has scheduled a virtual public statement hearing for November 12, 2025, to gather input on a proposed transmission line rebuild by Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, doing business as National Grid. The application, filed in April 2025, seeks approval for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need under Article VII of the Public Service Law.
If approved, the project would involve rebuilding about 50.72 miles of an existing 115 kilovolt transmission line between the Inghams Substation in Manheim (Herkimer County) and the Rotterdam Substation in Rotterdam (Schenectady County). It also includes plans to construct a new Saltsman Road Substation in Ephratah (Fulton County). The route would pass through several towns and cities across Schenectady, Fulton, Montgomery, and Herkimer counties.
Under state law, the Commission can approve or reject National Grid’s proposal entirely or partially or modify it. The decision will take into account comments from involved parties and members of the public.
A virtual public statement hearing will be held before an Administrative Law Judge on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m. Participants can join electronically via meetny-gov.webex.com using access code 2828 908 6827 and password Nov11-5:30pm. Phone-only access is available by dialing 1-929-251-9612 with access code 2828 908 6827 and password 66811050.
Those wishing to comment do not need to pre-register. Participants joining electronically are advised to use either the “call me” or “call using computer” audio options when logging in. Call-in participants should dial the provided number at the scheduled time.
Anyone interested may listen to the hearing by phone without making a statement. All participants will be muted upon entry; those wishing to speak will be called upon by the judge. Reasonable time limits may be set for speakers so that all voices can be heard. Lengthy comments should be submitted in writing and summarized orally if possible. A verbatim transcript will become part of the official record.
People with disabilities needing accommodations should contact Human Resource Management at the Department of Public Service at 518-473-9463 as soon as possible. TDD users may request sign language interpretation through New York Relay Service at 711. Those who have difficulty understanding English are encouraged to call the Department at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services.
For individuals unable or unwilling to attend or speak during the hearing, written comments referencing Case “25-T-0262” can be submitted online via www.dps.ny.gov or mailed to Honorable Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary of the Public Service Commission at Three Empire State Plaza in Albany; electronic filing is preferred. Written comments received according to these instructions will appear on the Department’s website under public comments for this case.
Additionally, feedback can be given through a toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120 for New York callers around-the-clock; summaries of these calls are shared with Commissioners but are not transcribed verbatim.
