The transmission line will be a 265-mile fully buried HVDC line.
The open solicitation process is the next step in the development of Empire State Connector project after the authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for ESC to sell transmission rights and services on the proposed project at negotiated rates.
ESC stated that it will accept non-binding expressions of interest until 22 December.
The transmission project will support the implementation of New York State’s Clean Energy Standard (CES), which outlines aggressive low carbon power goal for the state’s power suppliers. The line is expected to bypass major congested transmission interfaces, while delivering power into the heart of New York City.
The ESC project is expected to take a unique underwater route through the Erie Canal and Hudson River, while not having a visual impact along with any environmental impact.
It will be a participant-funded transmission project and will be constructed and paid for by the shippers who will contract for capacity. The project is expected to create more than 2,600 jobs during the three-to-four-year construction period.
Empire State Connector CEO John Douglas said "This project perfectly complements the state's and the City's energy, economic and environmental policy goals.
"It creates significant upstate economic growth, spurs the development and use of clean, renewable energy, helps better tie together New York's massive electric grid with highly-controllable transmission technology and delivers low carbon energy into New York City."
As the ESC is a participant-funded transmission project, it will be constructed and paid for by the shippers who will contract for capacity.