This project involves the siting and construction of a new 9.5-mile, 115kV transmission line in the towns of Brownville, Pamelia, and Le Ray in Jefferson County. The line will begin at the existing Indian River Substation off Rogers Road in Le Ray and travel west to a new North Watertown Substation off State Route 12 in Brownville.

Currently, this area is served by a single local transmission line. To meet the growing demand on our electric system, a new line is needed to increase reliability for over 30,000 customers in the area. The project will bolster the area's grid and serve as an alternate electric transmission connection to the Watertown community.

National Grid chose this route to minimize impacts by keeping the line away from heavily populated areas. Building the new line in an existing transmission corridor would not provide the reliability benefits we are seeking to bring to the area.

Approximately 83 new steel monopole structures will be placed in the new transmission corridor. The monopoles will be made of a dulled galvanized steel, which is grey in color.

Our work, taking place in neighborhoods like yours across Upstate New York, is called the Upstate Upgrade. It involves more than 70 projects through 2030 that will transform the transmission grid to meet growing demand for electricity while generating thousands of new jobs and more than $1 billion in economic growth across the region.

National Grid’s Real Estate group has identified a preferred corridor for a transmission right-of-way. We have been in coordination with affected landowners to secure easements for the new corridor. Option agreements for rights to parcels on the project route have been proposed and negotiated. If your property will be affected, our team will contact you directly.

The project is currently in the construction phase. Construction began in September 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

The project has been designed and will be constructed to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment, including any agricultural activity. Plans, including a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, have been developed for the project.

The project has been permitted under Part 102 of the Public Service Law, which is overseen by the Department of Public Service. This permitting process will include the development of a report that is available for public inspection and is reviewed and approved by the New York Public Service Commission.

National Grid invites comments from the public at any time during the project development, construction, and operation. If you have a question, please contact us at 844-324-3589 or email us at UpstateUpgradeCNY@nationalgrid.com.