Renewable Power for New York’s Future

Transmission Developers Inc. (TDI) is a small company with a big idea — to bring low-cost, clean power produced in northern Canada to places where it is needed most. Eric Mower and Associates has been working with TDI since the project’s inception to make this vision a reality.

This big idea is a 330–mile underwater and underground power transmission line called the Champlain Hudson Power Express. The line will bring 1,000 MW of clean, low-cost hydro and wind energy into the New York market. This innovative idea is at the forefront of America’s “smart grid” revolution. To support its development, EMA has provided comprehensive public affairs work, communication counsel, marketing materials and digital assets to support to TDI.

Siting power lines of any kind is no easy manner and EMA and TDI recognized and crafted a long-term strategy that began with nearly 18 months of behind the scenes meetings before a public announcement of the project was ever made. EMA’s public affairs professionals worked with the development team to craft a stakeholder outreach program that led to a positive reception upon announcement.

EMA then handled the public announcement and all subsequent media releases, which have garnered national attention. EMA also organized, ran and publicized public meetings throughout New York State to inform the public about the benefits of the project and build support. As a comprehensive communications agency, EMA tapped into its digital expertise to build two separate websites for the project, including the development portal www.chpexpress.com which is used on a daily basis to keep the public apprised of progress.

While the permitting process is still ongoing, the results to date have been outstanding. While other projects have met with fierce opposition, public outcry, and rallies to stop progress, the CHPE has encountered none of this. The project has been featured in multiple New York Times articles and has received support from New York’s environmental community, the Middletown Times Herald Record called it a “summer blockbuster,” and 20 members of Congress have written Governor Andrew Cuomo in support.

EMA will continue working with TDI as this project moves toward completion. However careful planning and smart tactics have made a project that was once a dream, very close to reality.