But, to make sure that we have an adequate and reliable supply of electricity to meet Long Island's needs, we need improved interstate transmission connections, such as the one we have been planning for more than two years that will link Long Island with Connecticut. The TransEnergie cross-Sound cable project would link New Haven with Shoreham and would carry some 330 MW of electricity from New England sources to Long Island. LIPA will purchase the energy imported over the line and still hopes to have the new transmission interconnection in place by summer 2002. The Connecticut Siting Council recently rejected TransEnergie's proposed route through New Haven Harbor. TransEnergie is currently reviewing an alternative route that could be ready to be submitted to the Siting Council next month, which could still allow the new line to be in service by next summer.
Transmission allows the sale of electricity between regions.
In a particular region, transmission can be a substitute for generation allowing that region to import power that otherwise would have to be generated within the region. In some cases, transmission expansion may be more cost-effective than generation additions, allowing a region better access to lower cost generation.