O&R Upgrades Rockland Energy Services

As part of its annual preparations for summer months, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is investing $315 million into its energy system to ensure reliable and resilient service for customers with higher temperatures and potentially severe weather events on the horizon.

This year’s preparations expand on the work of summer 2025, when O&R invested $293 million into its infrastructure, further hardening systems across the service territory, and bringing even more dependable service to customers. Overall, O&R has invested more than $2 billion into the grid since 2016, reducing the number of customers impacted per service interruption by 15 percent.

“Orange & Rockland powers the life of the Hudson Valley, serving nearly one million people across homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools,” said Michele O’Connell, O&R president and CEO. “The energy needs of our customers are changing rapidly, especially as demand continues to rise as summers grow hotter.”

O&R crews are in the field replacing and building additional automated circuits to minimize disruptions, strategically placing systems underground, strengthening overhead lines, and trimming vegetation at critical service locations.

Orangeburg – A $24 million initiative which replaced two transformers at the Corporate Drive substation allowing the company to meet the growing electric demand in the area.

Monsey – A $4.8 million project that upgraded a transformer at the Monsey substation to meet expanding load growth and enhance reliability.

Clarkstown – A $57.8 million project to install new underground transmission lines, spanning 5.7 miles from the Burns substation to the West Nyack substation, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in early 2027.