NYSEG and RG&E Highlight the Benefits of a Stronger Grid to Grow the Economy
New video showcases how modern substations and grid upgrades support reliability, economic growth, and customer service across New York
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 13, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) today released a new video highlighting the critical role electric substations play in delivering safe, reliable power to customers and supporting economic growth across New York.
The video provides a behind-the-scenes look at how substations serve as the backbone of the electric system and why continued investment in grid infrastructure is essential to meeting the needs of customers, businesses, and communities statewide.
Filmed at the New Gardenville Substation in the Town of West Seneca, the video highlights how aging infrastructure dating to the 1950s needs to be upgraded to unlock the area’s economic potential. The video also features Substation 418 in Gates, where new equipment is meeting customers’ needs and setting the stage for future growth in the region.
"Every time a customer flips a switch, charges a device, or powers a business, they rely on infrastructure working behind the scenes," said Joe Sayre, Director of Economic Development and Business Relations for NYSEG and RG&E. "Substations are a critical part of that system. Investments in modernizing and strengthening these facilities help us improve reliability, support economic development, and ensure our grid is prepared to meet New York's growing energy needs."
Across their service territories, NYSEG and RG&E continue to invest in infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance reliability, strengthen resilience, and improve the customer experience. Substations play a vital role by helping safely distribute electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals, while also enabling crews to respond more effectively when outages occur.
Many substations across the companies’ service territories have been in service since the 1950s and are at capacity, limiting growth and causing bottlenecks in the system. Modernization projects help replace aging equipment, integrate new technologies, and provide the flexibility needed to create a more resilient grid, especially as severe winter weather approaches.
News media can download rights-free video of transmission infrastructure upgrades here.
Media Contact
Andrew Rush