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.N, 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.

(Reporting by Sarah Qureshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

((SarahS.Qureshi@thomsonreuters.com;))