The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the construction and operation of the Cassadaga Wind Farm, a utility-scale project proposed in western New York State.
The 126 MW wind farm, owned by Innogy, 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 Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s clean energy goals,” says John B. Rhodes, PSC chair. “This step demonstrates that New York can build clean energy projects and deliver clean energy economy jobs in a responsible and balanced manner.”
The wind farm, comprising up to 48 turbines, will be located in the towns of Cherry Creek, Charlotte and Arkwright and will interconnect to the state’s electrical grid along the Dunkirk-Moon 115 kV transmission line.
To secure PSC approval, Innogy demonstrated that it obtained all necessary municipal consents to construct and operate the facility. Further, evidence in the proceeding demonstrated that the project is financially viable, says the commission.
Given that the wind 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, the PSC notes.
On January of this year, the New York State Board on Electric Generating Siting and the Environment issued Cassadaga a certificate authorizing development of the facility.
There still remain several Article 10 compliance filings required before construction can begin, according to the PSC.
