The New York State Department of Public Service announced that the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has granted a final siting permit to ConnectGen Montgomery County, LLC. The permit allows for the development, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the Mill Point Solar I Project, a 250-megawatt solar facility in Glen, Montgomery County.
According to Rory M. Christian, CEO of the Department, “This project approval demonstrates we are strengthening our commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy. The development of new renewable generation and transmission projects creates new clean energy, strengthens grid reliability, and supports new good-paying jobs for New Yorkers.”
The solar facility is expected to supply 250 megawatts of renewable energy to New York’s electric grid. It will offset nearly 217,280 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and provide electricity for about 33,724 average-sized homes. Operations are projected to begin in 2027.
Since 2021, New York State has approved 35 large-scale solar and wind projects. Of these, ORES permitted 29 projects after its creation to expedite renewable energy permitting processes; six were approved by the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment under Article 10 prior to ORES’s establishment. Together these facilities represent a total capacity of approximately 4.4 gigawatts.
Zeryai Hagos, Executive Director at ORES, stated: “The Mill Point Solar facility will not only help advance the State’s nation-leading clean energy policies, but it also offers much needed financial support to farmers participating in the project.”
The approval followed a review process that included public comment periods and hearings. More than 441 public comments were received by ORES regarding this project.
ConnectGen Montgomery County anticipates that additional tax revenues from the project could reach tens of millions over its lifespan. These funds would be allocated toward road upgrades, schools such as those in Fonda-Fultonville Central School District, public safety initiatives, and other infrastructure services within Glen and Montgomery County. The project is also expected to create around 290 full-time construction jobs during its building phase as well as up to three permanent operations roles.
Payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreements are expected for a period of fifteen years once negotiated; these payments would significantly increase local tax revenues relative to current levels. Additionally, all residential utility customers in Glen will receive annual bill credits totaling $1.25 million over ten years during initial facility operations.
ORES’s decision was based on compliance with Article VIII requirements under New York State Public Service Law following detailed public participation efforts.
Further information about today’s decision can be found by searching Case Number 23-02972 on www.dps.ny.gov or by contacting the Department directly at their Albany office or via phone.
