Scott Waldman is reporting at Capital New York the state's independent power grid operator has determined that if New York does not build more transmission lines, it will not be able to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. Approximately 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are needed statewide to comply with new federal power plant regulations, Stephen Whitley, president of the New York Independent System Operator, wrote to the state Public Service Commission. Much of that will be located upstate; however, the current infrastructure does not have the capacity to transmit all of that power downstate, where demand will be highest, according to Whitley. The lines are needed to connect power generators in western and northern New York with the needs of the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island. Whitley noted if the PSC does not approve more transmission lines, renewable generation will be capped. The PSC will hold a technical conference later this month to determine where transmission lines are needed. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proposed the multi-billion dollar Energy Highway to bring more upstate power to downstate, but parts of the effort have stalled. The state does not have a timetable for when it will make a final determination on the need for more transmission lines or where they could be located. Read the full story at Capital New York.