The New York State Department of Public Service announced that the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued a final siting permit for Liberty Renewables, Inc. to develop, operate, and eventually decommission Hoffman Falls Wind, LLC. This project is a 100 megawatt wind facility planned for the towns of Fenner, Nelson, Eaton, and Smithfield in Madison County.
Department CEO Rory M. Christian stated, “This important project approval demonstrates we continue to strengthen our commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy. This project joins the more than 30 projects that New York has approved over the last few years. This is a testament to New York’s commitment to sustainability, affordability, and resiliency.”
Once operational in 2027, the facility will provide 100 MW of renewable energy to New York’s electric grid. It is expected to offset nearly 130,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and supply power for about 17,000 average-sized homes.
Since 2021, New York State has approved a total of 34 large-scale solar and wind projects—28 permitted by ORES since its creation to accelerate renewable energy permitting processes and six under Article 10 by the NYS Siting Board. These facilities represent an additional capacity of approximately 4.3 gigawatts of clean energy.
Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Executive Director Zeryai Hagos said, “The approval of the Hoffman Falls Wind permit indicates New York’s commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy. ORES is committed to advancing the State’s nation-leading clean energy policies while being responsive to community feedback and protecting the environment.”
The approval followed a review process that included public comment periods and hearings. More than 135 public comments were received on this project during these sessions.
According to developers’ estimates, local investment from this facility could reach $63 million across Fenner, Nelson, Smithfield, Eaton in Madison County; Cazenovia and Morrisville-Eaton Central School Districts; as well as participating landowners. The towns are projected to share about $400,000 each year through a host community agreement with an additional $100,000 annually distributed among neighbors through a shared community payment program.
Hoffman Falls Wind is expected to generate around 66 full-time construction jobs along with up to three permanent operations positions once complete. Local labor will also be contracted for ongoing services such as road repair or snow removal.
The facility will include up to 24 wind turbines along with supporting infrastructure like underground voltage collection systems and connections into National Grid’s existing transmission line network.
ORES’s decision was based on ensuring compliance with Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law after detailed public participation processes.
The application was deemed complete on December 20, 2024; ORES issued its draft permit on February 18, 2025. The project supports state goals for clean energy expansion while establishing efficient permitting standards for major renewable facilities.
Additional information about today’s decision can be found by searching Case Number 23-02976 at www.dps.ny.gov or by contacting the Department directly.
