Wednesday, June 18, 2025
A Propel New York Energy Project virtual public hearing on April 30 revealed passionate support and significant concerns about the proposed 89.7-mile underground transmission line spanning multiple New York counties. The hearing was an opportunity for public comment before the Public Service Commission makes the final decision on the project’s approval. The project is currently progressing through the state Article Seven permitting process, a comprehensive, multi-agency review protocol.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 and will introduce three new underground electrical transmission connections across Long Island. The proposed transmission project comprises multiple segments, including the Barrett-to-Uniondale Hub segment, which will extend 8.75 miles from a new Barrett substation in Oceanside to the existing Uniondale Hub. This segment’s preliminary route runs through Oceanside, primarily along Long Beach Road and North Long Beach Road before continuing northward.
The hearing, hosted by the Department of Public Service, saw residents from across Long Island presenting dramatically different perspectives on the proposed power transmission lines and infrastructure.
Proponents, including representatives from environmental organizations, business groups, and labor unions, emphasized the project’s benefits. The transmission lines would modernize New York’s aging electrical grid, support renewable energy integration, create nearly 2,000 jobs, and generate an estimated $2.4 billion in economic activity.
“Propel New York offers a proactive solution by installing underground and submarine transmission lines, upgrading and creating new substations,” said Christina Lizzo, a Huntington resident. “During SuperStorm Sandy, my community lost power for many weeks, and with storms only intensifying and major hurricanes becoming more frequent, we must act now to prevent history from repeating itself.
Key supporters like the National Wildlife Federation and Long Island Association highlighted the project’s potential to reduce carbon emissions, improve grid reliability, and facilitate the state’s transition to clean energy.
“New York’s energy demand is growing rapidly as New York moves forward with ambitious climate goals, “ said Dr. Tara Miller, representing the National Wildlife Federation. “Our energy demand is growing as we continue to leverage our homes, vehicles and businesses to meet clinicals, our grid must evolve too. This product will
benefit wildlife by contributing to a clear and more
resilient energy system, it will reduce congestion, improve reliability, and deliver clean, renewable energy to the communities.”
However, residents, particularly from Glen Head and surrounding communities, raised significant concerns. Residents expressed worries about potential health risks, environmental disruption, and the proximity of transmission lines and battery storage facilities to schools and residential areas.
“The view down here in Glen Head is that we are the bullseye for this project in terms of impact on our community,” said Glen Head resident Doug Augenthaler. “It will cause incredible disruption to the business community, because it runs through the main drag in our
business community. Other than Sandy, power has been very, very reliable down here. I don’t see a lot of
reliability problems.”
The hearing highlighted the complex balance between infrastructure development, environmental goals,
and community interests in New York’s clean
energy transition.
“What they’re doing to Long Island residents is nothing short of the largest generational wealth transfer I’ve ever seen in my life, and it’s all in the name of climate change and all of these virtuous reasons,” said Long Beach resident, Christina Kramer. “You’re going to end up pricing New Yorkers right out of this state.”
