Substation Project Will Improve Reliability, Create Over 400 Skilled Union Jobs, M/WBE Contracts, Advance New York State’s Climate Goals

Con Edison today marked the start of construction of its Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project, which will support the electrification of John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s switch to electric buses, and electrification of buildings in Jamaica, Queens.

The company celebrated the milestone with a ceremony, attended by representatives of the New York State Public Service Commission, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and elected officials, and community leaders.

“The Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project represents a major milestone in our strategy to create a clean energy future where every New Yorker can share in the benefits of a reliable, climate-resilient grid, said Tim Cawley, Con Edison’s chairman and chief executive. “We’re proud to break ground on this project that will enable the electrification for downtown Jamaica, JFK International Airport, and the MTA’s fleet of buses, while also increasing reliability for our customers, creating good jobs, and advancing New York’s climate goals.” 

“We plan to achieve significant Minority- and Women-Owned Business participation on the project and look forward to partnering with our elected and local community partners to achieve that goal,” Cawley said. 

“Con Edison’s significant investment in modernizing the electric grid of Southeast Queens, in concert with the Port Authority’s historic investment at John F. Kennedy International Airport, is evidence of this community’s strong economic future,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We’re proud to be a part of the commitment to not just build new infrastructure for the community, but to do so in a way that improves the lives of the people who live here.” 

“As the largest public bus system in North America, we are leading the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future one electric bus at a time,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “MTA’s ambitious plan to transition to an all zero-emissions fleet by 2040 wouldn’t be possible without upgrades to the electric grid like the Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project, which gives us the added power we need plus room to expand our program in the future.” 

“We’re proud to join the celebration of this critical infrastructure project. Con Edison’s Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project will create good paying, green jobs and have a powerfully positive impact on the Southeast Queens community,” said Jim Shillitto, president of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America. “This initiative underscores the crucial role utility workers play in making the clean energy future a reality. Our diverse and dedicated workers are leading the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.” 

The project will enable Con Edison to accommodate increased demand as well as new sources of renewable energy, all while increasing reliability for Queens customers for decades to come. This will pave the way for residents and businesses to use cleaner energy to charge vehicles and electrify heating and other equipment. 

In addition, it will provide interconnection points for energy storage and enable large clean energy resources to interconnect with the Con Edison system, which advances the State’s renewable energy goals included in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. 

“Con Edison is doing important work by providing New York City and Queens with the infrastructure needed to support the clean energy transition,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “The Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project will increase electric supply to neighborhoods in my district of Southeast Queens and give our residents the option to choose cleaner energy products to heat and cool their homes, drive, or just to charge their phones, while improving air quality and community health. This investment is designed to make our borough more sustainable and support our economic growth.” 

“As extreme weather events continue to become more prevalent and the impacts of climate change more apparent, I applaud Con Edison for its steadfast commitment to a clean energy future,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Their Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project is critical to electrifying Queens in an efficient, equitable, and safe way for the tens of thousands of residents and businesses that call it home.” 

“New York City is committed to achieving a clean, reliable, and equitable energy future, which would not be possible without our partners at Con Edison,” said Julia Casagrande, Deputy Director, Clean Energy, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. “As the clean energy transition advances, it’s imperative we meet the growing demand for electricity in a future free of fossil fuels. We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with the utility to achieve this outcome.” 

“Queens is taking its rightful place as a nationwide leader in clean energy, and Con Edison’s Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project is a major example why,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As construction gets underway, I’m looking forward to the cleaner, greener future for Queens that this project represents, all while addressing the disparate health impacts Southeast Queens residents have experienced due to climate change, pollution and other issues tied to fossil fuel usage. Thank you to Con Edison and all our partners for its work in making this day possible.” 

“Council District 31 and all of New York City need to advance our clean energy transition to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for our community,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “As a Council Member representing a coastal community, my neighbors and I are experiencing the devastating challenges posed by a changing climate in real time. The Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project will improve the electric grid in Southeast Queens, support the electrification of MTA bus depots and fleets, and ensure we are better prepared to face increasingly common extreme weather events.” 

“I applaud Con Edison for being forward-looking in its commitment to a future powered by clean, renewable energy as reflected in its Reliable Clean City – Idlewild Project,” said Dr. Nantasha Williams, New York City Council Member. “I am proud to stand by their side as they break ground on this critical project that will enable the electrification and clean energy transition that Southeast Queens deserves, while leveraging the extraordinary skills of hundreds of unionized workers.” 

“Congratulations to Con Edison for its enormous investment to modernize the area’s electric grid, ensuring a clean and reliable power source for tens of thousands of individuals, including those who rely on our libraries to cool off during the hottest days of summer,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “The project goes hand in hand with our upcoming environmental education initiative with Con Edison to prepare our communities for the challenges of climate change, one of the defining issues of our time.” 

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $15 billion in annual revenues for the year-end 2023 and $68 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam, and serves 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit conEd.com.