Argo Infrastructure Partners, LP recently announced that Cross-Sound Cable Company, LLC is initiating a project to significantly upgrade and expand its electric transmission system -- Cross-Sound Cable (CSC), a critical high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system connecting the electric grids of New England and Long Island.
CSC is an established 24-mile submarine transmission cable with 330 megawatts of bi-directional capacity linking the ISO New England electric grid with New York ISO’s Zone K, with HVDC converter stations located in New Haven, Connecticut and Shoreham, New York.
CSC has operated reliably for more than twenty years, including over a decade under Argo’s management. CSC’s current capacity is 100% contracted to Long Island Power Authority and at times provides ~7% of the electricity needed by Long Island electrical power users, an Argo news release said.
As part of its planned redevelopment, Argo has initiated a targeted process to select a transmission redevelopment partner for CSC. Marathon Capital has been engaged to support this process, which is focused on identifying a partner with experience in transmission development alongside infrastructure capital to support a comprehensive modernization and expansion.
"The contemplated initiative aims to enhance resiliency and reliability and bring significant incremental transmission capacity. CSC is ideally situated to support the U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s stated goal of expanding inter-regional transmission," Argo said.
Argo noted its experience in managing critical transmission systems includes Hudson Transmission, a 660 MW interconnection between the PJM grid and the NY ISO (Zone J) grid in New York City, and Smoky Mountain Transmission, a ~90 mile system of transmission supporting ~400 MW of hydroelectric power in North Carolina and Tennessee, linking into the transmission systems of both TVA and Duke Energy.
“Cross-Sound Cable is a critical interregional transmission platform, regulated by NY’s PUC, that delivers reliability, cost benefits and, for Long Island, access to cleaner energy resources,” said Jason Zibarras, Founder and Managing Partner of Argo. “Argo has managed CSC since 2015, and we see a compelling opportunity to partner with an experienced transmission developer to collaborate on the modernization and growth of the system.”
“With an established footprint and asset base, experienced operational team and proven track record, CSC is uniquely placed to serve as a foundational component of a broader Northeast transmission network, supporting reliability, economic growth and energy resource flexibility,” stated Michael Madia, Managing Director of Argo.
Argo expects that the redevelopment of CSC will support regional workforce development and specialized construction activity during modernization and upgrade phases, while strengthening long-term energy security for customers.
