Governor George E. Pataki today joined Con Edison Chairman and CEO Eugene R. McGrath, to mark the return of a fully operational electrical substation at 7 World Trade Center which replaces the facility destroyed during the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Joining the Governor for the event were Empire State Development Chairman Charles Gargano, Port Authority Executive Director Joseph Seymour, Battery Park City Authority President Timothy Carey, Community Board 1 Chairwoman Madelyn Wils, 7 World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein, and 7 World Trade Center builder Daniel Tishman.
The substation, which converts high voltage power to lower voltage for use in office buildings and residences, is delivering approximately 40 megawatts to sections of Lower Manhattan. The substation will also be available to power new buildings that are constructed at the World Trade Center site.
"Today we're bringing Lower Manhattan back to full power," Governor Pataki said. "A rebuilt Lower Manhattan requires both redundant and reliable energy for both businesses and residents. This new substation will not only fully replace what we lost on September 11th, but will also be large enough to accommodate the new electric demand that is expected through the rebuilding. Given complexities of the project, it was a great feat of cooperation between Con Edison, the developers and the community that this substation was constructed so rapidly."
Con Edison Chairman McGrath said, "This station is a testament to the creativity, hard work and perseverance of many men and women in the public and private sectors. The power it supplies will be used to rebuild and grow Lower Manhattan."
Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development and Vice-Chairman of the Port Authority of NY & NJ, said, "Today marks another important day in the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan. The official opening of this substation provides yet another example of how New Yorkers continue to move forward in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. The Governor's dedication to Lower Manhattan is leading the way toward creating a flourishing 24/7 downtown community. I would like applaud Con Ed and their hardworking employees who are responsible for getting this station up and running."
Joseph Seymour, Port Authority Executive Director said, "The reactivation of this critical Lower Manhattan power substation is a major milestone in the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Most importantly, it provides electrical redundancy essential for the financial industry in Lower Manhattan as well as for the people who live and work in this community. The swift completion of this project is clear evidence that we are continuing to meet Governor Pataki's aggressive timetable for the rebuilding of the Trade Center site and the transportation infrastructure needed to support it."
Kevin M. Rampe, President of LMDC said, "Restoring power at the Con Ed substation is just one more sign of Lower Manhattan's rebirth - thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki. The substation will be available to power the tallest tower in the world, a magnificent train station, world class cultural facilities and a memorial to all that was lost on that fateful day. Congratulations to Con Edison and to all those who worked so hard to bring the substation back ahead of schedule."
Timothy Carey, President and CEO of the Battery Park City Authority said, "The restoration of the substation at 7 World Trade Center marks another milestone in the recovery of Lower Manhattan. On behalf of the residents and workers in Battery Park City, we would like to thank Governor Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg and Eugene R. McGrath as well as everyone involved in restoring Lower Manhattan."
Madelyn Wils, Community Board 1 Chair and LMDC Board Member said, "Con Edison did a remarkable job quickly restoring service to Lower Manhattan during the days and weeks following September 11th. Our community established a unique and important relationship with Con Ed to support their efforts. Today marks another success story in Lower Manhattan's redevelopment and all our efforts to work together towards a common goal."
Larry A. Silverstein, the developer of 7 World Trade Center said, "This is another great milestone in the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. I am delighted that we were able to design a magnificent home for the substation in the base of our building. This project will bring power to the rebuilt World Trade Center and energize all of Lower Manhattan."
Chairman and CEO Daniel R. Tishman, whose firm is building 7 WTC for Silverstein Properties said, "The people of Tishman Construction are honored and proud to have played a role in restoring the Con Edison substation located in 7 World Trade Center. The turning on of power marks another historical milestone in the redevelopment of the World Trade Center complex and the revitalization of Downtown."
On the day of the terrorist attacks, Con Edison worked immediately to restore power to Lower Manhattan after the company's substation was destroyed with the collapse of 7 World Trade Center. Over 2,000 employees laid 36 miles of temporary electric cable above ground so that power could flow again to the downtown area. The company also worked rapidly to construct a new substation at another downtown site in time for the summer of 2002.
The new substation at 7 World Trade Center currently houses three large power transformers, each 20 feet tall and weighing 168 tons, and have a capacity of up to 80 megawatts of electricity. One megawatt can power approximately 1,000 homes. Eventually, 10 transformers will occupy the site to meet the growing power demand in the area.
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with $10 billion in annual revenues and $21 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison's Web site at www.coned.com.
