Whiteside Reliability Project

Reliability Projects

We're making upgrades to enhance our system's ability to withstand extreme weather and meet energy demands.

Project Specifics

The network of transmission circuits linking the Lake Success, Stewart Manor and Whiteside substations currently experiences overloading conditions during times of peak electrical demand. The project will resolve the overloading issue and improve the reliability of your electric service. It consists of several components, including:

  1. The installation of the new voltage regulation devices which are approximately 15 feet tall, within the Whiteside Substation
  2. The installation of two new 55-foot wood transmission poles adjacent to a 65-foot wood transmission pole within the right-of-way adjacent to the substation
  3. The replacement of one 65-foot wood transmission pole with a similarly sized pole
  4. The replacement of one 35-foot wood distribution pole with a 40-foot wood distribution pole

 
PSEG Long Island will be installing new voltage regulation devices inside of the existing Whiteside Substation, located at the end of Bedford Avenue in Elmont, that helps regulate transmission line voltage before it reaches the substation transformers. In order to align the transmission lines with this new equipment, two new 55-foot poles will be installed within an existing right-of-way immediately north of the substation adjacent to a 65-foot pole. In addition, one 65-foot pole will be replaced with a similarly sized pole near the intersection of Whiteside Avenue and Averill Boulevard. One 35-foot pole will be replaced with a 40-foot pole on Farnum Boulevard just south of Whiteside Avenue.

Alternative overhead transmission line routes were assessed

  • Alternative 1: Replace the overhead transmission wire between these three substations with a type of wire that is capable of handling greater electrical capacity and greater heat. This option would require installing numerous taller, metal poles in a densely populated residential area.
  • Alternative 2: Convert the 33 kV circuit from Lake Success to Floral Park to Elmont to Whiteside to 69 kV overhead operation. This option would be considerably more expensive and require taller poles with greater impacts to the community. 

 
Why is the proposed location best suited for the facility?
The installation of the new voltage regulation devices at the Whiteside substation is the simplest and most economical means to avoid overloading conditions and increase reliability.

SEQRA Environmental Assessment
As a Type II action no environmental studies were required or undertaken.

Timeline
Construction is expected to begin in November 2019 and be fully complete by the end of the year.

MyPower Map
For the latest information regarding project work, please visit the MyPower Map.


Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the questions below.

  • Will there be tree trimming?
    Trees growing near power lines significantly increase the chance of power outages and pose safety risks. As we expand and improve our electric circuits, we will trim trees, where necessary, following our utility best practice model (ANSI A300 standards as well as the Best Management Practices Tree Pruning publication): 8 feet to each side; 12 feet above; and 10 feet below the line.
  • Will there be any power outages?
    In the event that a brief outage is required, you will be notified in advance.
  • Will there be any traffic interruptions?
    There will be minor traffic disruptions along the route. To ensure traffic moves safely, PSEG Long Island will provide cones, flagmen and signage at the work sites, as needed.
  • How can I get more information or leave feedback?
    If you have further questions, please call PSEG Long Island Customer Service at 1-800-490-0025 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you would like to share comments on the project, please email: ExternalAffairsLI@pseg.com.

  
As always, customer and employee safety is our primary concern. Please be cautious when travelling near our construction work zones.


Posted date: November 19, 2019