This decision was one of the last regulatory approvals required for the wind farm to move forward. However, a number of Article 10 compliance filings are required before construction can begin.
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved the construction and operation of the Cassadaga Wind Farm, a utility-scale wind farm in Western New York that is expected to 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. Additionally, it 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.
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 recent action determined that Cassadaga was financially able and ready to construct and operate the facility
Filed Under: News, Projects
