June 12 (Reuters) - The New York State Public Service

Commission approved 29 infrastructure projects worth $636.2

million, enabling 642 megawatts of electrification upgrades, the

commission said on Thursday.

These projects were proposed by Consolidated Edison ( ED ),

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, New York State Electric & Gas

Corporation (NYSEG), and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation

(RG&E).

"The urgent grid upgrade projects would expand grid capacity

in many areas of the state, relieving urgent constraints on an

accelerated basis while a broader, unified planning framework is

developed," said commission Chair Rory Christian.

Con Edison will lead five projects, including the Zerega

Avenue expansion and the redesign of the Hunts Point electrical

system, adding 380 MW of capacity at a cost of $439.9 million.

National Grid will oversee 22 projects totaling $126

million, delivering 184.8 MW of new capacity to support vehicle

electrification in upstate New York.

Moreover, NYSEG will implement a major industrial

electrification project adding 30 MW, while RG&E will expand EV

charging infrastructure by 47 MW.

The commission said that this action was part of its plan to

upgrade New York's electric grid infrastructure and work toward

its decarbonization goals.