Q&X Lines Electric Transmission Rebuild

Central Hudson Gas and Electric is planning to rebuild the existing 69 kilovolt (kV) Pleasant Valley to Rhinebeck electric transmission lines to address aging infrastructure and to enhance electric service reliability. The transmission lines were originally constructed in 1955 and 1928 (respectively) and are nearing the end of their useful life. Rebuilding these lines is an important investment in the local electric infrastructure serving these communities. Reconstruction of these lines is expected to take place without any electric service interruption to customers.

The existing Q Line consists primarily of wood poles and will be replaced with corten steel poles, which features a characteristic brown, wood-like patina to help blend with the surrounding landscape.  The existing X Line consists primarily of steel lattice structures that will be replaced with dulled galvanized steel poles.  The Q & X combined rebuild spans approximately 21.2 linear miles (25.2 circuit miles) within Central Hudson’s existing right-of-way in Dutchess County through Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, and Rhinebeck. The rebuild design will increase the Q Line's capability from 69,000 volts (69 kV) to 115,000 volts (115 kV); however the Q Line will continue to operate at 69 kV until such time a voltage increase may be warranted. 

New York State Article VIII Application

This Project is required to undergo permitting through the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) in accordance with Article VIII of the New York Public Service Law. Central Hudson plans to submit the Article VIII application for the Project in the summer of 2026.

Once filed, Central Hudson’s application to the PSC, inclusive of executive summary, project maps and numerous exhibits and environmental studies, will be available on the PSC website. Additionally, the application will be available for examination during normal business hours at the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission. The Application will also be available in local libraries that are to be determined but will be provided prior to Application submittal.

The Application will be filed with the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (the “Office”) pursuant to 16 NYCRR 1100-11.6 for initiation of review and determination of completeness. The determination of completeness or incompleteness will be made within 120 days of filing. If the application is deemed incomplete, the Applicant will submit a revised application within 90 days of the notice of incompleteness. Once the application is deemed complete, the Office will publish a notice of complete application on the office’s website and serve a notice upon (i) the Applicant, (ii) the chief executive officer of each municipality in which the project is located, and (iii) any person who has previously expressed interest in receiving notifications regarding the application. Upon completion, the Office will determine whether the application constitutes a major modification of an existing facility. For projects that are not likely to result in any new or increased significant adverse impacts, the Office will issue a written notice of its determination and final permit within sixty (60) days.

Any person wishing to receive notices concerning the application can file a request with the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission via DMM (https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/common/search.html). There is currently no Case Number assigned to the project.  This information will be updated after a Case Number is established.

Central Hudson will be coordinating with the applicable local municipalities and sending letters to the affected landowners in accordance with the Article VIII regulations.

Estimated Construction Schedule

Start construction 2029

New Lines In-Service December 2031

Restoration complete October 2032

The estimated construction schedule will be further refined after Central Hudson receives the Article VIII permit and the procurement process is underway.

Contact Us

For inquires or complaints specifically regarding this project, you may contact us at: Project Hotline (toll-free) 845-486-5342 (this should not be used for outages or emergencies) or email: QXRebuild@cenhud.com