RG&E has completed a $23 million modernization project at a substation in Sodus, increasing capacity and reliability for more than 3,300 customers in the area. The upgrades are part of Avangrid’s $7 billion investment plan to overhaul energy infrastructure in New York by 2030.
“With the need to upgrade and modernize our nation’s energy infrastructure, we are moving aggressively to invest in this critical energy need now,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. “With these investments locally and statewide, we are delivering on our commitment to rebuild a strong, more reliable grid for our communities.”
The new substation, located at the corner of Green Street and Belden Avenue, features a high-efficiency transformer and state-of-the-art gas-insulated switchgear technology. This upgrade replaces the outdated infrastructure from 1966 and allows for remote 24/7 monitoring, reducing crew response times and expediting outage restoration.
“The Village of Sodus is happy to have had the opportunity to work with RG&E to help remove blighted property from our community and to improve our region’s massive infrastructure,” said Village of Sodus Mayor Dan Ingersoll. “RG&E has fulfilled the Village’s requests for a site plan that visually enhances the area.”
“This infrastructure investment by RG&E is critical to the future economic growth of Wayne County and our region,” said New York State Senator Pam Helming. “As New York State continues to mandate conversions to all-electric, these upgrades will help meet the area’s growing energy demands while also improving reliability and resiliency for existing customers.”
“I would like to applaud RG&E for taking the initiative to upgrade the Sodus substation,” said New York Assemblyman Brian Manktelow. “It is truly a great step forward in ensuring that it will be well-equipped to handle the growing demand from the 3,300 customers it serves. Local investments like this are what’s going to help the state meet our green energy goals.”
New York State Senator Pam Helming welcomed the project’s completion, citing its role in supporting regional economic growth. Assemblyman Brian Manktelow echoed those sentiments, applauding RG&E for taking the necessary steps to future-proof the local energy grid.
The project includes an upgraded voltage capacity, converting from 4kV circuits to 12kV to support increasing electricity demands. Sodus Mayor Dan Ingersoll praised RG&E for improving both local infrastructure and the community’s aesthetics, noting collaboration on a site plan that enhances the area’s appearance.
The work on the new substation is scheduled to conclude in spring. RG&E’s efforts align with broader initiatives to address aging infrastructure across New York, aiming to bolster grid resiliency amid growing environmental and usage challenges.
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