Crain’s: Con Edison advances $1.2B Queens energy project at ratepayers’ expense
January 23, 2024 The article discusses a significant $1.2 billion project by Con Edison to upgrade the electric grid capacity in southeast Queens, New York, aimed at accommodating the area’s rising demand for electricity. This demand surge is partly due to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s efforts to electrify its bus depots and fleet. Approved by the state Public Service Commission, the project’s costs will be borne by New York ratepayers, sparking debate over the fairness of this financial burden, especially as it supports major projects like MTA and JFK International Airport. The project includes splitting the existing Jamaica network and constructing two new substations. Despite concerns over the project’s cost and its impact on ratepayers, it is positioned as crucial for supporting New York’s transition to a clean-energy economy and maintaining grid reliability amid increased electrification.