The New York State Department of Public Service announced on Apr. 3 that final siting permits have been issued for the Agricola Wind and Flat Creek Solar projects, which will add a combined 399 megawatts of renewable energy to the state’s electric grid. The projects are located in Cayuga and Montgomery Counties and are expected to power nearly 55,000 homes, create 210 construction jobs, and offset about 350,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
These approvals are part of New York’s ongoing efforts to increase clean energy generation while supporting local economies. The Department said these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to building a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable electric grid for residents across the state.
Rory M. Christian, Chair and CEO at the New York State Public Service Commission, said: “These two permits demonstrate our continued commitment to building a cleaner, more affordable, and reliable electric grid for all New Yorkers. Renewable energy development creates good-paying jobs, strengthens local economies, and helps us deliver on our promise of a clean energy future.ORES Staff’s rigorous, transparent review of these permitting decisions will ensure the responsible siting and construction of these facilities, while protecting the natural environment.”
The Agricola Wind project in Cayuga County is set to provide up to 99 megawatts using wind turbines across Scipio and Venice towns. Developed by Liberty Renewables with an expected operational date in 2028, it will generate $63 million in local investments over its lifetime—including payments to towns, schools districts, fire districts—and offer $990,000 in utility bill credits over ten years under host community benefit programs.
Flat Creek Solar in Montgomery County will contribute up to 300 megawatts using photovoltaic solar panels across approximately 1,000 acres spanning Canajoharie and Root towns. Cordelio Power is developing this project with operations anticipated by 2029; it is projected to generate direct payments totaling nearly $36 million over twenty years for local governments and schools as well as $1.5 million in utility bill credits during its first decade.
Zeryai Hagos from ORES said: “The permit applications for these projects were subject to robust review by ORES Staff… These approvals demonstrate that New York has the tools and the commitment to advance clean energy development in a thorough… way.”
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris added: “Both of these projects are vital to advancing the delivery of clean…energy…that will not only help keep the lights on for New York families but also help stabilize energy prices.”
Vincent Albanese from NYS Laborers’ LiUNA stated: “Today’s announcement is a win for both our clean energy future and New York’s working families…” Gary LaBarbera from Building Trades Council said: “The approval … can create good-paying union careers with prevailing wage that bolster local economies…” Mario Cilento from AFL-CIO remarked: “Today’s announcement marks another significant step toward ensuring energy reliability …”
Kit Kennedy from NRDC highlighted streamlined permitting processes while Marguerite Wells from Alliance for Clean Energy called this path toward homegrown renewable resources “the correct one.” Julie Tighe (NY League Conservation Voters) commended action-oriented progress; Betta Broad (New Yorkers for Clean Power) referenced global events reinforcing need for fossil fuel alternatives.
With these approvals bringing total permitted large-scale solar/wind projects by ORES statewide up to thirty-two—representing nearly five gigawatts—officials say they expect long-term economic benefits alongside progress toward climate goals.
