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For Immediate Release: 11/15/2018

John B. Rhodes,  Chair
                                              
Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
 
 
 
 18099/18-E-0399
November 15, 2018

PSC Gives Final OK for Western New York Wind Farm Project

126 MW Clean Energy Wind Farm in Chautauqua County Gets Green Light to Build

 CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS RELEASE: There remains a number of Article 10 compliance filings required before construction can begin. 

 

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved the construction and operation of the Cassadaga Wind Farm, a utility-scale wind farm in Western New York that will generate enough electricity for more than 36,000 average-sized residential homes.
 
“We approve construction of this appropriately sited wind farm that can deliver on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s clean energy goals,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “This step demonstrates that New York can build clean energy projects and deliver clean energy economy jobs in a responsible and balanced manner.”
 
The 126 MW Cassadaga wind farm will consist of up to 48 high-capacity wind turbines, together with associated transmission lines, both underground and above ground collection lines, access roads, meteorological towers, operation and maintenance building, collection and point of interconnect substations, and related facilities, located in the Towns of Cherry Creek, Charlotte, and Arkwright, and would interconnect to the state's electrical grid along the Dunkirk-Moon 115 kV transmission line.
 
To secure Commission approval, Cassadaga demonstrated that it obtained all necessary municipal consents to construct and operate its facility. Further, evidence in the proceeding demonstrated that the project is financially viable. Given the fact that the wind generation facility will be developed and operated on a merchant basis and will participate in the wholesale energy markets, the project was granted a lightened ratemaking regulatory regime like other, similar merchant generators.
 
Today’s decision was one of the last regulatory approvals the project developer needed before actual construction could commence. There remains a number of Article 10 compliance filings required before construction can begin. On January 17, 2018, the New York State Board on Electric Generating Siting and the Environment (Siting Board) issued Cassadaga a certificate authorizing development of the facility. The Commission’s action today determined that Cassadaga was financially able and ready to construct and operate the facility.
 
In making its determination, the Siting Board studied the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the facility, including impacts on ecology, air, ground and surface water, wildlife, and habitat, as well as public health and safety, along with other criteria. The Siting Board examiners determined that the wind farm will be a beneficial addition to the electric generation capacity of the State, and is consistent with the State’s energy policy and planning objectives. The facility will also serve the goals of improving fuel diversity, grid reliability, and modernization of grid infrastructure.
 
Today’s decision is a testament to how New York is working to achieve its New York’s Clean Energy Standard, the most comprehensive and ambitious clean-energy mandate in the state's history. The Clean Energy Standard requires 50 percent of New York's electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030. By 2030, the 50 percent renewable mandate will be a critical component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and by 80 percent by 2050.
 
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 18-E-0399 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

 

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