4. What is involved in doing this project? 
The first step is preparing a comprehensive application required under Article VII of New York State Public Service Law.  RG&E filed its Article VII application with the New York State Department of Public Service on September 30, 2011.

 
5. What exactly is an Article VII application? 
Article VII is a set of New York State laws that provide the mechanism for review and siting of transmission lines. That law prescribes the content of an application, including a description of the project’s location, alternative locations, expected economic effects and environmental studies.

6. What happens after the application is filed?
The Public Service Commission (PSC) may take one year or more to review and rule on the Article VII application. Once approved, the PSC will issue an Article VII certificate. This certificate will allow RG&E to begin construction activities.

7. What is a transmission line and a substation?
Transmission lines are high-voltage electricity lines that carry power over long distances. These transmission lines enter substations where the voltage of power is reduced. The lower-voltage power then exits the substations into the distribution lines that serve homes and businesses. Together, transmission lines and substations are the backbone of the electricity delivery system. 

 
8. Will RG&E need additional property for the Rochester Area Reliability Project? RG&E has designed this project to maximize use of existing rights of way and transportation corridors to the extent practical. 

9. How may I get more information about the project?
Notice of the filing of the application has been published in The Democrat and Chronicle. Copies of the Article VII application will be available for viewing at public libraries in the areas affected by the project, and online here. 

10. How may I participate in the process? 
RG&E will hold public information meetings or “open houses” to allow interested parties to gather more details and ask questions about this important project. The dates of those meetings have not yet been determined.

Any resident of a municipality in which the facility may be located, either as primarily or alternatively proposed, and certain types of organizations may participate in the proceedings by filing a notice of intent with the Secretary of the Public Service Commission within 30 days of the application filing date. Persons wishing to make a statement about the facility may do so at the public statement hearings that will be scheduled by the Public Service Commission. Notice will be given of the date and location of those hearings.

11. When does RG&E plan to commence work on this project? 
The PSC may take one year or more to review and rule on our Article VII application.  Assuming it is approved within that timeframe; RG&E would start construction on the RARP in the spring of 2013 and expects it to be in service by winter 2014. 

12. What will be the power source for the new substation?
The new substation will be fed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) 345-kv cross-state transmission lines, which originate in Niagara Falls.

13. What will residents see when this project begins?
Construction and maintenance work for the project will, to the extent possible, make use of existing access roads along the railroads and existing transmission rights of way.

14. What will the new pole structures look like?
Pole structures will vary depending upon their location. Cross sections of transmission structures are available for viewing in the Article VII application.

15. What is the time table on this project?
The PSC may take one year or more to review and rule on our Article VII application.  Assuming it is approved within that timeframe; RG&E would start construction on the RARP in the spring of 2013 and expects it to be in service by winter 2014.

• Call the RARP Infoline: 1.800.647.9899
• Government officials may call Terry Lattimore: 1.800.647.9899
• Media questions may be directed to Dan Hucko: 585.724.8825