New York State energy regulators have officially approved the construction of a $2.2 billion project that is expected to generate power to over a million New York City residents. This subterranean pipeline, known as the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project (CHPE), would connect Canadian resources to American soil via a 330-mile route from Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. The journey of the electric pipeline would begin in Quebec and ultimately end at the Consolidated Edison converter station located in Astoria, Queens.
As a whole, New York City requires nearly 10 gigawatts of energy to function at its current capacity. Once fully implemented, the CHPE will transfer one gigawatt across the border to assist in providing a 10% increase in electric capacity for the entire New York City region. In addition to providing clean hydroelectric power to New York City, the CHPE will also offer annual tax benefits to those impacted by the installation process, which will include adding two five-inch diameter cables buried underwater or underground along public roads and railroad tracks to successfully transfer the electricity.
After three years of development, the CHPE project is expected to be officially up and running by the fall of 2017. During this time, more than 300 jobs are estimated to be created for the implementation and management of the project. Additionally, a $117.15- million trust will be put towards the enhancement of aquatic habitats and fisheries resources in Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Harlem, and East rivers, as well as their tributaries.
Although the energy industry has typically seen its boom throughout the South and Southwest regions in the U.S., the construction of the Champlain Hudson Power Express Project in New York City is sure to share the energy wealth throughout our country’s Northern regions. With a large estimated number of jobs created throughout the next four years and increased power convenience throughout the nation’s biggest city, to call the CHPE project promising would seem like an understatement. Not only does this mean a bright future for energy companies in the North, it means greater opportunities for job seekers in the energy sector. To learn more about great job opportunities in the energy industry, contact the energy staffing experts at FootBridge Energy and get started on your energy career today!