POWERING UPSTATE NEW YORK
Building on nearly two centuries of success serving the electricity and gas needs of Upstate New York, Rochester
Gas & Electric is entering a new era of transformation defined by operational evolution. As it continues to modernize its networks and strengthen community connections, the utility company is repositioning itself not only as a service provider, but as a true partner to the communities it serves
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Molly Foss
Established in 1848 as a subsidiary of leading US sustainable energy company, Avangrid, Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) operates 8,800 miles (mi) of electric distribution lines and 1,100 mi of electric transmission lines across a nine-county region in New York State, centered around its fourth-most populous city, Rochester. RG&E also operates approximately 10,600 mi of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 mi of gas
transmission pipelines.
Faithfully serving its electricity and natural gas customers alike, RG&E plays a central role in powering homes, businesses, and communities across upstate New York, forming a critical part of the state’s wider energy ecosystem.
Alongside its sister company, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), RG&E’s significant operational footprint underscores both its scale
and responsibility.
Part of Avangrid’s wider portfolio, both companies benefit from the strength of a national energy leader whose operations span 24 states.
Combining localized utility experience with the vast financial, technical, and innovative resources of Iberdrola Group – a global energy leader and benchmark in electrical networks and renewable energy – specialized advantages in
sustainability, grid modernization, and risk management can be keenly felt by Avangrid customers.
LEADING THROUGH CHANGE
Since 2022, RG&E and NYSEG have been led by Patricia Nilsen, CEO – the first woman in the companies’ 175+ year history to serve in this role. An experienced leader focused on delivering great outcomes for RG&E’s customers and communities, Nilsen
embodies a shift in culture for the companies as they continue to break the glass ceiling.
Having originally joined RG&E more than three decades ago, Nilsen’s appointment represents not only a personal milestone but a defining moment in the company’s history as it places growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion at the highest levels.
Prior to stepping into the CEO role, she held senior positions focused on
system resilience and emergency preparedness – areas that have become increasingly critical as utilities contend with more frequent extreme weather events.
This experience has proven particularly valuable in an industry where reliability and responsiveness are paramount.
From early roles in human resources to leadership positions in customer services, communications, and emergency preparedness, Nilsen has developed a well-rounded perspective on both the operational and cultural dynamics of the utilities sector –both of particular importance as the sector contends with extreme weather events and rising customer expectations.
Today, her leadership is defined by delivery of safe, reliable services while guiding the organization through a period of significant transformation.
SHIFTING ENERGY LANDSCAPE
As the demand for energy increases – driven by rapid population growth and digital transformation – the environment in which RG&E operates is changing.
A significant contributor is the recent expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies.
These facilities require vast amounts of power, placing additional pressure on infrastructure that was not designed to support such intensive usage.
The advanced testing and maintenance of battery systems, such as those offered by Battery Research and Testing, Inc., supports safer integration of storage technologies into increasingly complex grid environments and compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) protocol. (continued on page 94)
JOHN D. MANNING, PE PRESIDENT Earth Sensitive Solutions, LLC
“ From a utility’s perspective, supporting a non-pipe alternative can be seen as a forward-looking investment. Rather than committing significant resources to new gas pipelines or a semi-permanent gas injection facility, NYSEG, as the local utility, embraced a strategy focused on reducing demand at the household level through electrification, energy efficiency, and incentives. In New York, NPAs are designed to defer, reduce, or even avoid traditional gas system expansion while still maintaining reliability. In Lansing, that vision came to life through a collaborative effort that lowered community gas demand while advancing broader clean energy goals. ”
& Gas) played the critical final role in transforming the Lansing NPA Program from a promising idea into a proven success. By offering generous financial incentives through a results-driven structure, NYSEG helped create the momen-
ACHIEVING COMMUNITY
tum that turned community interest into real action.
Just as important, the utility’s participation brought something money alone cannot buy: trust. A co-branded message from NYSEG gave home-owners confidence that the program was legitimate, credible, and designed with their best interests in mind. That sense of assurance proved invaluable in helping families take the important step toward adopting cleaner, more efficient heat pump technology.
The ESS partnership with NYSEG leadership also underscored the importance of Measurement and Verification (M&V). NYSEG needed clear, documented proof of demand reduction, which is why every completed project included a oneyear post commissioning energy analysis report. That commitment to accountability helped demonstrate real performance and measurable community impact.
When NYSEG’s incentives were layered with other funding sources, including NY Clean Heat, Federal
HISTORIC COMMUNITY-WIDE
IRA tax credits, and additional state programs, the result was a dramatically reduced financial burden for household ratepayers. More than that, it created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the community to modernize home comfort systems, reduce reliance on
The ESS headquarters
COMMUNITY HEAT PUMP CONVERSIONS FROM THE GROUND UP
LANSING, NEW YORK NPA (Non-Pipe Alternative) PROGRAM
Constant communication with the contractors in the field allowed progress tracking of household conversions from first energy audit to final installation. This allowed the Earth Sensitive Solutions team up-tothe-minute program reporting to NYSEG management.
The Town of Lansing is located on the Eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, just north of the City of Ithaca, population 11,565.
HISTORIC COLLABORATION FUELS A COMMUNITY-WIDE TRANSFORMATION
fossil fuels, and move toward a cleaner energy future.
Taken as a whole, the program achieved a favorable Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) when environmental impacts and consumer benefits were fully considered.
In the end, the Lansing NPA Program showed what is possible when a progressive utility, community leaders, contractors, and home-owners come together around a common purpose: a model in which the utility, the consumer, and the community all reap rewards.
headquarters is located in Auburn, NY, about a 30-minute drive from Lansing, NY.
JARED FORTNA, VP OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Earth Sensitive Solutions, LLC
“ Long before the Lansing NPA Program began, its contractor partners—Dailey Geothermal, Halco Home Solutions, and Van Hee Mechanical—were already leading this transformation on the ground in Lansing and across Tompkins County. Home by home, they were helping families move toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
What changed with the NPA Program was momentum.
Backed by NYSEG’s financial support and guided by Earth Sensitive Solutions in combining and maximizing available incentives, these trusted local contractors gained the tools to make heat pump projects not only environmentally meaningful, but financially compelling.
Read on to discover the extraordinary achievements made possible through this remarkable collaboration.”
HAL SMITH, CEO Halco Home Solutions
Participating Contractor
For more than 40 years, Halco Home Solutions has earned the trust of homeowners through a thoughtful, whole-home approach to comfort, efficiency, and well-being. Serving Tompkins County from its Ithaca office, the company is widely respected for bringing deep expertise and lasting value across heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and renewable energy solutions. HalcoEnergy.com
LANSING NPA PROGRAM OUTREACH
At the Lansing Community Center, by special invitation, Lansing homeowners discovered the incentives, technologies, and local support making clean energy upgrades more accessible than ever presented by a team of professional renewable energy experts.
ONE HOUSE AT A TIME:
“ The ground game for green energy attempted before. Participating contractors, stack of NYSEG NPA, local, state, and opportunity directly to homeowners based outreach effort.
Partner contractors worked one-on-one out the measures needed to improve and insulation. In many cases, those New York State grant programs. Only pump systems home, layered
From neighborhood doorsteps to community energy experts encouraged residents to renewable energy transformation beginning for a no-cost energy audit through the website portal. As a bonus, homeowners that danced in the sunlight!
TIME: LANSING’S HEAT PUMP TRANSFORMATION
LANSING, NEW YORK NPA (Non-Pipe Alternative) PROGRAM
energy in Lansing was unlike anything contractors, backed by a powerful and federal incentives, brought the homeowners through an ambitious, community-
one-on-one with homeowners to map improve efficiency first, including air sealing those upgrades were fully covered by Only then were properly sized heat systems designed and priced for each with every available incentive layered in.
The result was a renewable energy pathway that felt both practical and achievable—sometimes lowering the homeowner’s investment to as little as 25 percent of total project cost.”
JOHN D. MANNING, PE PRESIDENT
Earth
Sensitive Solutions, LLC
community gatherings, home to take the first step toward beginning with signing up Earth Sensitive Solutions homeowners received a free solar toy
RYAN & LEAH DAILEY, Owners Dailey Geothermal/Participating Contractor
For more than 20 years, Ryan and Leah Dailey have built Dailey Geothermal on personal service, trusted expertise, and a genuine commitment to their community. Renewable energy has been central to their mission from the beginning, and their close-knit team continues to stand out for its hands-on approach and exceptional attention to each homeowner’s needs. DaileyElectricInc.com
FRANK SANTELLI, Lansing NY Homeowner
“I learned about the Lansing NPA Program either through a flyer in the mail or left at the door. I went to an Open House at the Lansing Community Center and decided to move forward with a ground-source heat pump.
My furnace was 30 years old and my home had no air conditioning. The geothermal ground source heat pump delivered both heating and cooling, and with the available incentives the $66,725.00 project netted down to $24,408.04—and I’ve eliminated my natural gas bill forever. I’m very happy, I believe my home value has increased and I’m doing my part to save the polar bears!”
At the same time, the number of connected devices in the average US household is growing – from smart appliances to electric vehicles (EVs) and charting points – which has also increased baseline consumption.
RG&E – AT A GLANCE
For utility companies like RG&E, this shift presents a complex balancing act – the company must expand capacity and modernize its network while maintaining affordability for customers.
• Serves Upstate New York alongside NYSEG and as part of Avangrid.
• Provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 383,592 electricity customers and 317,661 natural gas customers across a nine-county region centered around Rochester.
• Operates a physical network of around 12,000 mi of electric distribution and transmission lines and approximately 11,000 mi of natural gas distribution and transmission pipelines.
• Maintains 150+ substations supporting local grid reliability and system switching across Western New York.
• Serves a population of roughly one million across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
• Employs a large staff base across field operations, engineering, and customer support functions.
• Manages a regional energy system with regulated utility asset infrastructure supporting long-term service delivery.
• Focuses on maintaining safe, reliable energy delivery while upgrading aging distribution networks and improving system resilience.
It must also align with statewide climate goals such as those set by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which calls for significant emissions reductions and a transition to clean energy.
Indeed, the traditional energy model is subsequently evolving as mounting pressures continue to reshape the utility model, and companies aligned with RG&E must leverage technology, data, and innovation to keep pace.
RELIABILITY AT THE HEART
In response, RG&E, alongside NYSEG, has developed a comprehensive strategy to future-proof their operations.
Powering NY is a multi-year investment plan designed to rebuild aging infrastructure, enhance grid resilience, and support economic growth across the region.
Spanning five years and with billions allocated to upgrading critical assets and expanding system capacity, the plan represents a significant financial commitment.
One of Powering NY’s key priorities is addressing legacy infrastructure, much of which has been in place for decades and is increasingly vulnerable to failure given modern demands.
As such, RG&E and NYSEG are on a mission to create a more robust and adaptable grid by replacing outdated equipment, reinforcing transmission networks, and introducing more advanced technologies.
This has become particularly important in the face of extreme weather events, such as Winter Storm Hernando in February 2026, which have become increasingly frequent.
Ultimately, reliability is at the heart of the initiative, with investments being directed toward reducing outage frequency, improving response times, and ensuring power can be restored quickly when disruptions occur.
At the same time, the plan seeks to support economic development by enabling new businesses and industries to connect to a reliable energy supply.
Powering NY also reflects significant input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and policymakers.
This collaborative approach ensures investment priorities align with the needs and expectations of the regions served.
PARTNERSHIP ECOSYSTEM
A critical enabler of RG&E’s ability to deliver on its long-term infrastructure and service commitments is its wider ecosystem of specialist partners.
These collaborations play an essential role in supporting the technical, operational, and environmental dimensions of grid modernization, ensuring investment translates into tangible improvements to reliability, safety, and performance across the network.
Among these partners is Battery Research and Testing, Inc., which supports RG&E in advancing energy storage capabilities and testing frameworks.
COLLIERS ENGINEERING & DESIGN PARTNERSHIP
Colliers Engineering & Design is working alongside Rochester Gas & Electric and its parent company, Avangrid, as they advance critical infrastructure investments across upstate New York.
As energy demand grows and systems become more complex, delivering accurate, actionable data and integrated technical expertise is essential to building resilient, future-ready networks.
The Colliers Engineering & Design team provides specialized survey and geospatial services that reinforce the planning and execution of transmission, substation, and distribution projects.
Supported by advanced 3D modeling and mapping technologies, this work helps inform decision-making across diverse environments, including water-adjacent and hydro-focused infrastructure where precision and coordination are critical.
Beyond surveys, Colliers Engineering & Design offers a comprehensive suite of in-house services that support the full project lifecycle – from civil engineering, including bridge and roadway design and landscape architecture, to construction inspection, environmental services, and permitting.
The team also brings expertise in hydroelectrical engineering and owner’s representation, helping guide projects from early planning through execution while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and regulatory alignment.
Through this integrated approach, Colliers Engineering & Design supports RG&E’s long-term investment strategy by helping deliver infrastructure improvements that enhance reliability, strengthen resilience, and meet evolving energy demands.
The companies’ collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building systems that not only serve today’s communities but also support the energy transition ahead.
Colliers Engineering & Design supports RG&E and Avangrid across the region, as well as other utility providers including Central Maine Power, United Illuminating, Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Berkshire Gas Company, delivering expertise that supports safe, reliable energy infrastructure across their networks.
Engineering & Design
Powering resilient infrastructure for the future of energy
Colliers Engineering & Design is proud to support Rochester Gas & Electric and Avangrid as they invest in the future of energy across upstate New York.
As infrastructure evolves to meet increasing demand, electrification, and sustainability goals, utilities require more than design. They need dependable advisors who can deliver the data, insight, and technical expertise that drive informed decision-making.
Our teams provide integrated engineering, survey, and environmental services that support complex infrastructure projects from early planning through construction. By combining advanced technologies, field expertise, and a collaborative approach, we help utilities modernize their systems, strengthen resilience, and deliver reliable service to the communities they serve.
From grid upgrades to water-adjacent and hydrofocused infrastructure, we are proud to play a role in advancing solutions that support both today’s needs and tomorrow’s energy landscape.
Integrated expertise. Reliable outcomes. Future-ready infrastructure.
Colliers Engineering & Design delivers a full suite of in-house services that support the planning, design, and execution of complex energy and infrastructure projects.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures seamless coordination, improved efficiency, and consistent quality from concept through completion.
Our services include:
Survey and geospatial services supported by advanced 3D modeling and drone mapping
Civil engineering, including bridge and roadway design and landscape architecture
Construction inspection and program management
Environmental services, permitting, and regulatory compliance
Geotechnical and structural engineering
Hydropower electromechanical and dam safety engineering for water-related infrastructure
Owner’s representation and project advisory services
For more information contact: Donald P. Nims, Jr., PE
National Market Lead – Hydropower Donald.Nims@collierseng.com | (585) 498-7871 Accelerating success.
As battery technologies become increasingly important to grid stability and renewable integration, its expertise helps ensure RG&E’s systems are rigorously evaluated for safety, performance, and long-term resilience.
This contribution is particularly important today as utilities continue to adapt to changing electrification demands.
Bell Lumber & Pole also plays a vital role in the supply and treatment of utility poles, supporting RG&E’s largescale infrastructure renewal programs.
By providing durable, treated wood products designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, the company helps enhance the longevity and reliability of distribution assets – an essential factor in terms of strengthening storm response capabilities.
“Utilities like RG&E are rebuilding the grid for the next 50 years while keeping the lights on. That takes a robust partner ecosystem – engineers, suppliers, and crews –that move in sync.
“Bell Lumber & Pole is proud to support that ecosystem – delivering poles and engineered structures when and where they’re needed, even showing up at 4 a.m. when the storm won’t wait. The relationship is the product,” Dan Imholte, VP of Sales, Bell Lumber & Pole.
In the engineering and design space, both Colliers Engineering & Design and OHM Engineers provide critical technical expertise across planning, infrastructure design, and project delivery.
Their involvement supports the safe and efficient execution of complex grid upgrades – from transmission enhancement to substation modernization.
Environmental stewardship is accelerated at the community level through Earth Sensitive Solutions’ innovative outreach approach to clean heat conversion in natural gasconstrained areas.
TransGard, meanwhile, provides innovative wildlife protection solutions, helping to reduce outages caused by animal entry into substations and subsequent contact with sensitive electrical infrastructure.
TransGard’s technology supports system reliability and uses animal species’ own instincts to deter their interest in substations.
Then there’s WEG Transformers USA, whose critical transformer technology underpins the stability and efficiency of RG&E’s grid.
As demand increases and infrastructure is modernized, reliable transformer capacity is essential to maintaining consistent service and enabling future growth.
Together, these partnerships form a deeply integrated support
Delivery of Meyer Substation Installation
Strength in Supply. Power in Partnership.
For over 115 years, we’ve helped utility companies strengthen their grids with reliable pole supply and unmatched services:
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Custom warehousing + nationwide logistics
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See how we can help strengthen your grid.
network that enables RG&E to deliver efficiency, resilience, and environmental responsibility for its customers.
RESILIENCE AND EFFICIENCY
As it upgrades thousands of miles of electricity lines, substations, and utility poles to meet current and future requirements, it’s clear that modernization is a critical component of RG&E’s strategy.
Indeed, a notable initiative the company is currently undertaking involves the replacement and reinforcement of aging utility poles. With a significant proportion of existing poles approaching or exceeding their intended lifespan, upgrading these assets is essential to improving system resilience.
Durable, treated utility poles from Bell Lumber & Pole support long-term resilience across RG&E’s infrastructure renewal programs, complete with 24/7 emergency response and compliance with world-class safety and environmental standards.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
RG&E’s community focus and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are built around its long-standing local presence and direct involvement in the communities it serves.
As part of Avangrid and working closely with NYSEG – who maintains similar values – the company emphasizes practical, hands-on community engagement.
A major element of its approach is employee-led volunteering, with staff regularly participating in local initiatives – from food insecurity programs to housing projects and disaster response support.
RG&E works closely with organizations such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity to ensure it’s able to consistently uphold these ideals.
The company also works with regional non-profits to support affordability and access to its essential services, including partnerships with community agencies that help customers navigate energy assistance and payment support options.
Beyond formal community support programs, RG&E’s workforce is deeply embedded in the region, with many employees living within the communities they serve.
Because of the strong community roots RG&E and NYSEG have established, local homeowners are more responsive to the door-to-door outreach programs implemented by Earth Sensitive Solutions, which promote clean heat technologies as a solution to easing natural gas usage restraints.
As such, the company frames its role within the community around long-term continuity, with a focus on being a stable utility partner that supports its people and communities.
Can help you with:
OHM Engineers is a full-service engineering consulting firm, providing practical and transformative services for utilities throughout North America.
Our scope of services includes electrical engineering studies, transmission and substation planning, upgrades, expansions and Grid modernization projects.
Our in-house team of experts has decades of experience and collaborates with clients throughout inception to the close-out phase of projects.
Electrical System Studies
• Transient Studies
• Steady State Studies
• BES Facility Rating, FAC-008
Conceptual and Detail:
• Civil, Below and Above Ground
• Electrical Engineering and Design
• Equipment Technical Specifications
• Protection and Control Engineering and Design
• Automation and Integration Engineering and Design
• Telecom Engineering and Design
info@OHMengineers.com | www.OHMengineers.com
“Being a good partner to a utility like RG&E means transparent communication, flexible delivery when space or timing is tight, and proactive guidance toward achieving certainty of supply,” says Dan Imholte, VP of Sales, Bell Lumber & Pole.
Stronger, more durable materials are therefore being deployed to better withstand high winds, ice, and other environmental pressures.
Engineering expertise from Colliers Engineering & Design underpins complex transmission upgrades and substation modernization efforts, providing the engineering and surveying expertise required to help RG&E update their infrastructure.
OHM Engineers, meanwhile, provides technical support across system design and planning, strengthening grid reliability and operational performance supported by an in-house team of experts who collaborate with RG&E throughout, from inception to close-out.
OHM Engineers performs Electrical System and Transient Studies at the conceptual stage to assist RG&E in the selection of Primary Equipment.
OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES
RG&E’s operating approach is defined by a set of clear priorities that guide investment, service delivery, and customer engagement across its network.
At its core, both RG&E and NYSEG are structured around six guiding principles which they believe to be key to achieving success:
• Safe operations – Consistently meet or exceed applicable safety regulations, policies, and procedures at all times.
• Adequate and reliable service – Maintain adequate and reliable delivery and energy supply to all customers, particularly on the coldest days.
• Energy affordability – Plan and operate networks, acquire energy supplies, and pursue environmental objectives as efficiently as possible to maintain affordability for customers.
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions – Propose, design, and execute climate actions to achieve responsible, meaningful, and sustained GHG emissions reductions.
• Customer choice – Preserve customer choice regarding energy investments and usage, consistent with legislative and regulatory mandates.
• Energy resilience – Promote energy system resilience by anticipating threats posed by climate change and global warming, as well as avoiding and minimizing the impact and duration of outages.
These priorities are reflected in ongoing system upgrades, including grid monitoring improvements and targeted infrastructure replacement programs across high-demand areas.
RG&E also places emphasis on regulatory alignment, operating within state oversight frameworks while balancing affordability and system investment requirements.
Together, these principles and partnerships define a utility model focused on continuity of service and incremental system improvement rather than rapid transformation – ensuring stability for customers while gradually modernizing critical energy infrastructure across upstate New York.
It’s your substation: we’re here to protect it
Animals are cute. But not when they disable, damage, or destroy critical components of your substation. Not when they’ve interrupted power to homes and businesses across your service area. And not when they’ve cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and reputation management.
That’s a lot less cute.
TransGard understands animals – and how to keep them away. We’ve spent more than 35 years creating, installing, and fine-tuning the protection of sensitive, critical substation equipment against animal intrusion. We continue to expand our solutions to address evolving risks, including bird-related challenges, across utility systems.
It’s why NYSEG and RG&E have remained partners in substation protection for nearly 30 years. It’s also why more than 5,200 substations across North America rely on TransGard to keep the animals out and the power on.
If your substations’ reliability is important to you, and you’ve got concerns about animal incursions, we can help. Visit us at transgardsolutions.com.
During the detailed engineering stage, OHM Engineers – together with experienced Northeast and Avangrid teams – collaborate with RG&E engineers for efficient and timely delivery of projects.
OHM Engineers has proven to be a reliable and dependable partner to RG&E, demonstrating a solid understanding of Avangrid’s operating environment, standards, and internal practices.
Its familiarity with these
requirements has allowed efficient coordination and reduced the need for rework or extensive oversight. These upgrades, however, are about more than just durability – they also support increased capacity when it comes to carrying higher loads without compromising on performance or safety.
By investing in modern materials and design standards, RG&E is laying the foundation for a more resilient and efficient system.
In parallel, the company is rolling out advanced metering infrastructure, including smart meters, which enables real-time monitoring of energy usage and faster identification of outages.
By providing greater transparency and control, this has enhanced both operational efficiency and the customer experience.
MAINTAINING GRID STABILITY
Beyond its distribution networks, RG&E is investing in large-scale transmission projects.
Among these is the Rochester Area Transmission Line Enhancement Project – a major initiative designed to improve reliability and capacity within a critical part of the network.
The project involves the construction of a new transmission line alongside the upgrade of existing infrastructure, creating an additional pathway for electricity to flow across the region.
By strengthening connections between key substations, it is hoped the project will enhance system redundancy and ensure power can be rerouted in the event of disruption.
This type of investment is essential when it comes to maintaining grid stability – particularly as demand grows and energy sources become more widely distributed.
High-performance transformer technology from WEG Transformers USA supports grid efficiency and capacity during system upgrades.
It also supports compliance with evolving regulatory standards such as those set by NERC, which require utilities to demonstrate higher levels of reliability and resilience.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, this project represents a long-term commitment to infrastructure excellence which, once complete, will deliver tangible benefits to RG&E and NYSEG customers, reducing the threat of outages and improving overall service quality.
WEG was founded in 1961, by Werner Ricardo Voigt, Eggon Joao da Silva and Geraldo Werninghaus in the city of Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. WEG operates mainly in the sector of capital goods and is one of the largest world manufacturers of electric-electronic equipment, having five main businesses: Motors, Energy, Transmission and Distribution, Automation and Coatings. WEG has manufacturing units in 12 countries and is present in more than 100 countries, servicing all Utility and Industrial segments, including oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, steel, pulp and paper, renewable energy, among many others.
WEG Transformers USA located in Washington, Missouri specializes in the manufacturing, assembly, supervision and commissioning services of Power and Distribution Transformers. Since WEG’s acquisition in 2017, WEG Transformers USA has proven to be a reliable manufacturer of transformers across North America, and many overseas countries. WEG Transformers USA excels in manufacturing of three phase small and medium power transformers through 80 MVA / 161kV as well as three phase pad-mounted transformers and secondary substation unit transformers up to 10 MVA / 46kV.
WEG is committed to creating quality products and efficient solutions. To achieve this there is continuous investment in innovation and team work. Helping people reach their goals by living the values of the company is a passion shared by everyone at WEG.
WTU Manufacturing Plants: Washington, MO USA
Huehuetoca, MX
Tizayuca, MX
Atotonilco de Tula, MX
WTU Product Scope: Power & GSU : up to 300 MVA – 500 kV
Autotransformer: up to 300 MVA – 500 kV Unit Substations: 5 to 80 MVA – 161 kV
Padmounts: 45 – 7500 kVA – 46 kV
DIGITAL EVOLUTION
As expectations evolve, RG&E is committed to improving the customer experience as it invests in new systems and tools designed to make interactions more intuitive and transparent.
Digital platforms such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) – more commonly known as smart meters – are being enhanced to provide customers with better visibility into their energy usage, billing, and account management.
These tools empower users to make more informed decisions, helping them to manage costs and reduce consumption where possible.
At the same time, improvements are being made to customer support services, including call centers and response systems.
By increasing staffing and upgrading technology, RG&E aims to ensure customers can access timely and accurate assistance when they need it most.
RG&E’s growing focus on service delivery reflects a broader shift within the wider industry.
Utilities are no longer solely seen as providers of essential infrastructure; they’re increasingly expected to deliver a high-quality customer experience that can compete with that of other service sectors.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Part of the Avangrid family, RG&E is deeply committed to advancing environmental stewardship – a commitment which is embedded in both its day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
As such, a key priority for the company is building resilience in the face of climate change, which it is achieving by strengthening its infrastructure and adopting forwardlooking design standards.
Today, the company is better equipped to withstand extreme weather and environmental
challenges than ever before.
Elsewhere, RG&E is supporting the transition to cleaner energy, with initiatives in place to support this outlook.
For example, it is enabling customer-owned renewable energy generation, promoting energy efficiency programs, and facilitating the adoption of EVs to reduce emissions.
Efforts to preserve natural resources also play an important role
– from wildlife protection measures to vegetation management programs, the company is working to minimize its environmental impact.
TransGard reduces animal-related outages by using climbing animals’ own behavior to humanely reinforce that the substation environment is not an advantageous source of food and shelter.
TransGard has enhanced grid stability and service continuity for both RG&E and NYSEG, and
NEAR ZERO water loss Recombination Vents for Stationary Batteries
Recombine hydrogen and oxygen gas that is always being created when a vented lead-acid or vented nickel-cadmium battery is being charged to reduce watering and hydrogen evolution.
As of October 2022, the newly revised IEEE1635/ASHRAE21 now fully substantiates the benefits of the use of recombiners.
The benefits of using recombiners to reduce maintenance and improve safety have been recognized throughout Europe for over 50 years.
has remained partners with both companies for nearly 30 years.
Elsewhere, RG&E’s environmental goals are supported by Earth Sensitive Solutions, which brings innovation and specialized expertise in geothermal and other clean heat technologies to advance environmental stewardship.
RG&E is currently focused on reducing emissions through the replacement of aging pipelines and implementation of more efficient technologies.
These efforts have contributed to a broader strategy that balances the state’s current energy needs with long-term sustainability goals.
ENERGY SYSTEM OF TOMORROW
With Avangrid consistently recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies, RG&E has a proven model to follow in terms of its own commitment to ethical and
40 Years of Continuous Service
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responsible business practices.
Avangrid’s recognition underscores the importance it places on consistently maintaining high standards of integrity, compliance, and transparency.
For RG&E, this means prioritizing long-term value over short-term gain – from governance and risk management to community engagement.
As trust and reliability are fundamental in the utilities sector, this approach is particularly important, with customers dependent on consistent service and stakeholders expecting accountability and performance.
As it looks to the future, RG&E’s priorities are clear – continued investment in infrastructure, a commitment to customer service, and focus on sustainability will remain central.
At the same time, it will prepare for future growth and diversification
as new technologies continue to emerge and energy systems become increasingly interconnected.
Ultimately, RG&E’s role extends beyond delivering power – it’s about enabling communities to thrive by supporting economic development, improving quality of life, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Under Nilsen’s leadership, the company is poised to navigate the challenges ahead.
With a strong foundation, clear vision, and commitment to progress, RG&E is not only powering upstate New York – it is shaping the energy system of tomorrow.
www.rge.com www.nyseg.com