In a crucial move to bolster New York’s increasingly strained power grid, construction has officially commenced on a major overhaul of the Meyer Substation in Dansville under Avangrid. New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is investing $122 million into the project, a direct response to recent reports highlighting growing reliability concerns across the state as older power plants retire and electricity demand surges. This vital initiative is designed to significantly improve energy capacity and enhance grid resiliency. Furthermore, ensure a more reliable power supply for thousands of customers in the Dansville community and the surrounding region.
A Phased Approach to a Modern Grid
The modernization of the Meyer Substation is a meticulously planned, multi-year effort set to unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase, which is now underway, focuses on rebuilding the core of the substation. In addition, this includes the critical replacement of an aging transformer to accommodate modern energy needs, along with the installation of new, state-of-the-art breakers and support structures designed to proactively prevent power outages. This initial stage of construction is a complex undertaking, with a clear target for completion set for 2026. Following this, the project will seamlessly transition into its next phase.
Building for the Future; 2027 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the second phase of construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is projected to conclude by 2029. This stage will further expand the substation’s capabilities by adding more transformers. Additionally, strategically reusing a current one to maximize efficiency and value. This comprehensive upgrade is a key component of a much larger strategic vision by NYSEG’s parent company, Avangrid. The Meyer Substation project is part of Avangrid’s planned $20 billion investment through 2030, a massive commitment aimed at modernizing critical grid infrastructure across its service territories to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Why This Upgrade Matters
The urgency of the Meyer Substation project is underscored by a recent report from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which warned of a potential reliability gap as early as 2025. This is due to a perfect storm of retiring fossil fuel plants and a dramatic increase in electricity demand from data centers and the push for electrification in homes and vehicles. The Dansville substation is a key node in the regional grid, and its modernization is not just about replacing old equipment. It’s about creating a “smarter” grid that can better handle fluctuating power loads, integrate renewable energy sources such as the Cider Solar Farm more effectively, and reduce the frequency and duration of outages for the approximately 20,000 customers it serves in the region.
The Meyer Substation Project Factsheet
Project Launch: NYSEG has launched a $122 million upgrade of the Meyer Substation in Dansville
Purpose: The overhaul aims to bolster energy capacity, grid resilience, and reliability
Primary Customers: The upgrade will benefit about 6,740 local customers and thousands more via transmission lines
Historical Site: Meyer Substation was originally built in 1948 and supports both distribution and transmission
Phase One: Now underway, it includes a full rebuild and installation of a new transformer and breakers
Completion: Expected to be completed and operational by 2026
Phase Two Starts: Scheduled for 2027, it will expand capacity with two additional transformers
Reusing Equipment: Phase two also reuses one existing transformer for efficiency
Phase Two End Date: Full project completion is targeted for 2029
Regional Impact: This upgrade is part of NYSEG and Avangrid’s broader investments in grid modernization
