A significant development in Monroe County, New York, has arisen with a $4.7 million grant from Empire State Development (ESD) aimed at electrical infrastructure upgrades. This substantial grant is poised to support both residential and economic expansion in the Town of Henrietta by enabling Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) to commence necessary enhancements to an electric substation. The collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, executive agencies, county and local officials, and economic development leaders, have been instrumental in bringing these substation equipment upgrades to fruition ahead of schedule. This initiative aligns with the governor’s broader economic development vision to invest strategically in communities statewide, revitalizing the economy, and creating more opportunities for residents.
Strengthening Infrastructure for Economic Growth
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight has emphasized the paramount significance of bolstering the state’s infrastructure and energy sources to cultivate economic opportunities. This targeted investment is not just a pillar supporting residential and commercial development in Henrietta but also ensures that the community is well-equipped to progress over generations. Infrastructure improvements like these are essential for attracting and retaining significant commercial and industrial projects, which include enterprises such as a solar panel manufacturer, research and development for beverage production, advanced manufacturing, and a semiconductor supply chain company. The total estimated project cost stands at $17 million, underscoring the considerable investment required to meet the area’s burgeoning demands.
Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, the parent company of RG&E and NYSEG, has expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Governor Hochul as well as state and local leaders in promoting community prosperity. The funding, combined with the company’s investments, will enable RG&E to tackle aging infrastructure, augment capacity, and support future development and customer needs. Specifically, the project will add over 50 MW of additional capacity at Station 255 in Southwest Henrietta and is set to begin within the year. RG&E is committed to expeditiously completing this project. Moreover, RG&E plans to work closely with customers to find tailored solutions that accommodate the unique circumstances of various projects, ultimately facilitating their advancement.
Proactive Planning for Future Demands
In addition, the Public Service Commission’s Proactive Planning Proceeding, announced in August, underscores RG&E’s proposal for two supplementary projects that could unlock approximately 80 MW of additional capacity. This capacity is crucial for supporting building electrification for housing, economic development, and electric vehicle charging in Monroe County. Rory M. Christian, Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission, highlighted the new demand for electric power infrastructure driven by Governor Hochul’s economic policies. This demand necessitates strategic investments to accommodate growth while protecting ratepayers. The State’s funding to expedite the substation expansion in Henrietta is an innovative model for regional economic development efforts.
The funding is projected to facilitate residential development, including nearly 1,000 affordable, senior, and family housing opportunities in Henrietta. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello emphasized the town’s potential, particularly with its designation as a Regional Tech Hub. Bello cited the availability of roughly 600 acres of industrial and commercial development land and stressed the importance of improved electrical capacity for meeting the town’s energy needs. This step aligns with the commitment to the area’s continued growth and sustainability.
Collaborative Efforts for Community Advancement
State Senator Jeremy Cooney also underscored the importance of this funding in enabling much-needed development projects, including affordable housing and business opportunities. Cooney paid tribute to the collaborative efforts of County Executive Bello, Assemblymember Bronson, state delegation members, RG&E, and Empire State Development in realizing this milestone and ensuring a brighter future for Henrietta.
In a similar vein, State Assemblymember Harry Bronson emphasized that increasing Henrietta’s power capacity is integral for adding affordable housing, creating middle-class jobs, and ensuring reliable energy resources in one of Monroe County’s vibrant residential and commercial communities. This investment is perceived as creating essential opportunities both in the present and the future.
Henrietta Town Supervisor Stephen L. Schultz noted that the town had rezoned hundreds of acres south of RIT to attract new businesses that could leverage the high-quality graduates from RIT and other universities local to the area. However, the current power demand from these new businesses and residential developments had surpassed the nearby substations’ capacity. The newly approved funding for upgrading the substations will unlock projects that involve creating hundreds of new jobs and new housing options for seniors and families that had been previously halted due to power issues. Schultz expressed his gratitude toward the state and county’s efforts on behalf of Henrietta’s residents and looks forward to the impending projects.
Energy as a Catalyst for Regional Development
The Public Service Commission’s Proactive Planning Proceeding, revealed in August, highlights RG&E’s plan for two additional projects potentially adding around 80 MW of capacity. This boost is vital for supporting building electrification, economic growth, and electric vehicle charging in Monroe County. Rory M. Christian, Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission, noted that Governor Hochul’s economic initiatives are driving the need for enhanced electric infrastructure, requiring strategic investments to support growth while protecting consumers. The State’s funding to fast-track the Henrietta substation expansion sets a new precedent for regional economic development.
This funding aims to aid residential projects, potentially yielding close to 1,000 affordable, senior, and family housing units in Henrietta. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello pointed to the town’s potential, particularly as a Regional Tech Hub. He highlighted the availability of about 600 acres for industrial and commercial development, emphasizing the crucial role of improved electrical capacity in meeting energy demands. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustained growth and sustainability in the region.
