NYS Investment Will Assist Rochester Gas & Electric to Begin Needed Electrical Infrastructure Improvements in the Town of Henrietta
Support Necessary to Facilitate Continued Economic and Residential Growth Opportunities
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a $4.7 million grant for Monroe County to support electrical infrastructure upgrades for residential and economic development projects in the Town of Henrietta. Thanks to collaborative efforts involving Governor Kathy Hochul, executive agencies, county executive, Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) and economic development officials, as well as state and local elected officials, the required substation equipment upgrades will be installed ahead of schedule, facilitating further development. This award complements the governor’s economic development vision to make strategic investments in communities across the State, revitalizing the economy and creating more opportunities for New Yorkers.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Creating economic opportunity in New York requires strengthening our state’s infrastructure and energy sources. This focused investment will help to spur residential and economic development in the Town of Henrietta, powering this community’s progress for generations to come.”
This grant will enable RG&E to proceed with the initial phases of the electrical infrastructure upgrades needed to attract and retain significant commercial and industrial development for current and new businesses seeking to expand and relocate to Monroe County. Some of those business include a solar panel manufacturer, research and development (R&D) for beverage production, advanced manufacturing, and a semi-conductor supply chain company. The total project cost for the needed infrastructure upgrades has been placed at $17 million.
“We appreciate the efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul and state and local leaders as we work together to help the communities we serve thrive,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, the parent Company of RG&E and NYSEG. “As we continue to meet the growing demands of the electrical grid, this funding, paired with our investments, allows the Company to continue making upgrades to aging infrastructure to increase capacity for future development and our customers.”
This project will support future development in Southwest Henrietta with more than 50 MW of additional capacity at Station 255 to support load growth. Scheduled to begin this year, RG&E will work to move the project to completion as expeditiously as possible. Additionally, RG&E will continue to work with customers on solutions based on unique project circumstances to allow them to advance. As part of the Proactive Planning Proceeding announced by the Public Service Commission in August, RG&E has proposed two additional projects that would open approximately 80 MW of additional capacity to support building electrification for housing, economic development and electric vehicle charging in Monroe County.
Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission Rory M. Christian said “Due to Governor Hochul’s economic policies, the State of New York is experiencing new demand for electric power infrastructure that we have not seen in decades. As a result, the Department of Public Service has fostered new partnerships between ESD and our regulated utilities to ensure investments are targeted strategically to accommodate growth. The State funding made possible by Governor Hochul to accelerate RG&E’s substation expansion in Henrietta is an innovative model to support regional economic development efforts while protecting ratepayers, and we hope to build on this success across the State.”
The effort is also expected to facilitate residential development at the site. There are nearly 1,000 affordable, senior, and family housing opportunities and proposals in the town of Henrietta that could be realized with the increased power capacity that results from this grant funding.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “With roughly 600-acres of industrial and commercial development land available, the town of Henrietta is poised to take advantage of Monroe County’s federal designation as a Regional Tech Hub. Improving the town’s electrical capacity is a significant step forward in our commitment to meeting its growing energy needs and will ensure a more reliable and efficient power supply for future growth and sustainability. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her support of this project and recognizing the potential benefits it will have on Monroe County and the town of Henrietta.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “From affordable housing to business opportunities, this funding will make much-needed development projects a reality in our community. I was proud to work alongside County Executive Bello, Assemblymember Bronson and the rest of our state delegation, RG&E and Empire State Development to make today’s news a reality and flick the switch on a brighter future for the Town of Henrietta.”
State Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “Increasing Henrietta’s power capacity is about fulfilling an opportunity to add affordable housing, bring middle class jobs to our families and ensure dependable energy resources in one of Monroe County’s most vibrant residential and commercial communities. This investment creates critical opportunities now – and in the future.”
Henrietta Town Supervisor Stephen L. Schultz said, “As part of its Updates to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Town of Henrietta rezoned hundreds of acres south of RIT to support new businesses coming in that want to take advantage of the high- quality graduates of RIT and the other universities in the area. Unfortunately, the demand for power by these new businesses and residential developments have outstripped the current capacity at nearby substations. Through the efforts of our State Legislators, County Executive, and Governor’s Office, funding has been approved to upgrade the substations and unlock the projects that include hundreds of new jobs and new housing for seniors and families that have been on hold due to the power issues. The current and future residents of Henrietta thank the State and County for their efforts on our behalf and we look forward to the projects that will move forward once this additional capacity is online.”
Greater Rochester Enterprise President and CEO Matt Hurlbutt said, “We are eager to see the project move forward in Henrietta as GRE manages more than 70 active projects to support business growth here and throughout the Greater Rochester, NY region. Energy is critical to economic development, and today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with New York State, Monroe County, and RG&E leaders to ensure access to reliable and affordable energy for businesses and residents throughout the region.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
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