RG&E Begins Substation Modernization in Williamson

Project will use a new, innovative pre-fabricated indoor substation to increase reliability for roughly 700 customers

ROCHESTER, NY — May 26, 2021 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) announced today it has begun upgrades to its Station 208 in Williamson, located on East Townline Road, as part of the company’s commitment to provide safe and reliable service to all customers. The modernization project will include removing the existing structure to install an innovative pre-fabricated indoor substation with new and upgraded equipment. The project is expected to be completed and in service by the end of the year.

Substations play a crucial role in the electrical transmission and distribution systems. One of its main functions is to lower electricity voltage so it can be easily supplied to homes and businesses through distribution lines.

“We’re excited to get the Station 208 modernization project underway, which will increase reliability for the roughly 700 customers,” said Mike Craven, Vice President of Electric Operations at RG&E. “We take the responsibility of providing our customers with safe and reliable service very seriously and are continually evaluating our system. Station 208 was identified for upgrades because some of its current equipment dates back to the 1950s.”

The modernization project will quadruple Station 208’s current capacity in anticipation of growing local energy demand. This will include upgrading the existing transformer with a new, more efficient transformer and replacing the entire existing outdoor substation with a pre-fabricated indoor substation that will house a new battery system and communication system, among other equipment. The project will also create a critical contingency connection with nearby substations and distribution circuits so if a local power outage occurs, Station 208 can be an alternative source to temporarily supply power while repairs are made.

To ensure customers’ power won’t be impacted during the demolition and rebuilding process, RG&E will bring in a mobile substation to serve customers throughout construction.

The pre-fabricated indoor substation to be installed as part of this project is a new, innovative solution being implemented by RG&E and its parent company, AVANGRID. Traditionally a substation rebuild project can take two to three years to build and complete. The pre-fabricated indoor substation significantly decreases that construction timeframe by building and testing the components of the substation offsite.

“When evaluating and planning a project, we always look for the best solution for our customers,” Craven said. “The pre-fabricated indoor substation is cost-effective and ensures the substation is upgraded as soon as possible for our customers. We expect to use this “plug and play” technology more and more across our service areas when appropriate.”

The Station 208 modernization is one off the several local investments RG&E is making in its delivery system to provide additional power to meet growing demand, increase reliability, and accommodate growth and economic development in its service areas. Currently, the company is also working to upgrade circuit 794 in the towns of Sodus, Huron, and Wolcott, and has plans for numerous other reliability upgrade projects in the area.

RG&E advises customers that temporary and minor increases in construction-related traffic on East Townline Road are expected during the project period.

RG&E is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc.


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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

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