Journey Complete for New RG&E Transformers Critical to Transmission System Upgrade

Rochester, NY – RG&E, a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, has taken delivery of two huge substation transformers that are key components of the Ginna Retirement Transmission Alternative (GRTA). This $140 million transmission project will enable the company to draw more power from the New York Power Authority lines south of Rochester to ensure reliability in the region independent of the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Ontario. 

The 236-ton transformers are now on site at RG&E’s substation in Perinton. The final five-mile leg of a journey that began in China started at Lock 30 on the Erie Canal in Macedon.

“Having these transformers at the substation represents a major milestone in moving this important reliability project forward,” said Mark S. Lynch, president and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E.  “We know that transporting this equipment caused some disruption of traffic along Route 31 between Macedon and Perinton, and we appreciate motorists’ patience and understanding as we completed the challenging task.”

The GRTA it is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017.