O&R Invests $180 Million to Improve Resilience and Advance Clean Energy in Region

Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) is investing $180 million this year to improve the reliability and resilience of its electric system. This work includes developing energy efficiency and clean energy projects as the company prepares for this summer’s peak electricity demands and weather events. Over the last 10 years, O&R has invested nearly $1 billion in electric system maintenance and reliability projects.

The company has committed up to $200,000 over the next three years to help local organizations combat the effects of extreme heat and other climate-related weather events in disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities across the O&R service area.

Investments include the Blooming Grove Substation, a $42 million investment scheduled to be in service by July. It will quadruple the existing substation's capacity, improving the reliability and resiliency of North Blooming Grove and Washingtonville customers.

O&R continues its storm hardening initiative to make its energy systems more resilient as crews build additional electric circuits, automating select circuits, undergrounding strategic locations, enhancing overhead systems, and expanding tree-trimming clearances at critical service locations.

This year, O&R has increased its Hazard Tree Removal program by more than 35 percent to 1,800 trees.

Examples of underground projects O&R has completed over the past year to harden the electric system at strategic locations and promote electric service reliability and resilience during high-demand summer months and beyond include:  

• Haverstraw - A $4 million project to replace 9,000 feet of overhead cable with underground cable along Thiells Mount Ivy Road.

• Spring Valley - A $3.3 million project to replace 4,000 feet of overhead cable with an underground cable system along Pascack Road.