WIND POWER IN NEW YORK
Wethersfield wind project
The Wethersfield wind project is helping to build a secure and sustainable energy future in Wyoming County, NY. The 126 MW wind park has been in operation since 2009 and is currently planned to be repowered by AES.
As a company dedicated to developing and delivering innovative energy solutions with long-term impact, our projects create jobs, build community partnerships, generate revenue for local governments and schools, and protect the environment.
126 MW planned capacity
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 58,000 homes annually
Located in Wyoming County, NY
Our clean energy commitment
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
Economic and environmental benefits
The project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region.
270,000 metric tons
carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
$ Millions
expected new tax revenue for Wyoming County, NY
Clean energy benefits
local communities
Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts
Job creation during construction and operation
Local economic stimulus during construction
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Making a difference in Wyoming County: AES' Social Impact Program
With contributions exceeding $100,000 we focus on providing an increase in access to safe, efficient, affordable energy and basic services, fostering inclusive economic growth and education, enhancing community resilience, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Autism Nature Trail
Supported the development of the Autism Nature Trail, creating inclusive spaces for individuals with autism to engage with and learn from nature.
Partnering for the Environment
Friends of Letchworth State Park
Funded environmental initiatives within the park, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of this natural treasure.
Supported the purchase of an all-electric UTV, promoting sustainable transportation within the park.
Partnering for Community Resilience and Increasing Access to Basic Services
Village of Arcade
Helped purchase new village signage to support community health and resilience initiatives, enhancing the well-being of residents.
Eagle Free Library
Supported capital improvements and the purchase of new technology to enhance library facilities, providing better access to resources and services for the community.
Peers Together of Wyoming County
Covered annual gas expenses for vehicles transporting patients to critical medical appointments, supporting the health and well-being of those in need.
At AES, we are committed to creating vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities. Our investments in Wyoming County demonstrate our ongoing dedication to social impact and community development. We look forward to continuing our efforts to positively impact the lives of Wyoming County residents.
If you know of an organization in your community that could benefit from AES support please reach out to us at nystakeholderrelations@aes.com
Expected project timeline
2021 – 2025
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting
2025 - 2028
In Development
Construction
2028
Operational
Operations
Project updates
Sustainability best practices
Sustainability best practices
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed, including but not limited to:
- Wetland and waterbody delineation
- Habitat Assessment
- Marsh bird survey
- Breeding Bird survey
- Rare Plant survey
- Winter raptor survey
- Hydrology study
- Wildlife Site Characterization
Local partnerships
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.
- North Java Fire Department: Helped purchase live saving equipment for first responders to support community safety.
- Eagle Free Library: Supported capital improvements and the purchase of new technology to enhance library facilities, providing better access to resources and services for the community.
- Village of Arcade: Helped purchase new village signage to support community health and resilience initiatives, enhancing the well-being of residents.
- Proud member and partner of Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
Project visual simulations
Article VIII permit application process
ORES and the RAPID Act
Effective April 20, 2024, the Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act (L 2024, ch 58, part O) repealed Executive Law § 94-c and enacted a new Public Service Law article VIII entitled “Siting of Renewable Energy and Electric Transmission” (Article VIII). The RAPID Act consolidates the environmental review, permitting, and siting of major renewable energy facilities and major electric transmission facilities under the purview of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (Office or ORES).
The RAPID Act also transferred ORES’s regulations at 19 NYCRR part 900 (Part 900) to 16 NYCRR chapter XI, and continued Part 900 in full force and effect subject to conforming changes, such as the substitution of numbering, names, titles, citations, and other non-substantive changes to be filed with the Secretary of State. Effective July 17, 2024, the conforming changes were filed with the Secretary of State as a new 16 NYCRR part 1100 (Part 1100).
The text of the new Part 1100 currently in effect may be accessed at ORES Regulatory Documents.
Article VIII permiting timeline
How to receive notices
Join the Wethersfield Wind stakeholder list.
Joining the Stakeholder List enables you to receive mailings of the Article VIII required notices.
You can join this list by:
- Fill out the 'Contact Us’ webform at the bottom of this page.
- Call 866-757-7697.
- Emailing Wethersfieldwind@aes.com.
- Requesting Party Status.
Article VIII Permit Application Examination
To learn more about the Article VIII permitting process, please visit the Office of Renewable Energy Siting website at https://ores.ny.gov/.
- The final Article VIII regulations are available at Chapter XI, Title 16 of NYCRR Part 1100 (Subparts 1100-1 - 1100-15)
- Resources related to the PSC Document Matter Master system, local agency account funds, and regulatory documents can be viewed on the ORES website at https://ores.ny.gov/resources
- Information on the Article VIII permit applications currently under review and those which have been deemed complete, can be found at https://ores.ny.gov/permit-applications
How to examine the Wethersfield Wind VIII Permit Application
The application, once filed, can be examined during normal business hours at the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission, as well as at the local libraries served in accordance with section 1100-1.6(a)(6) of this Part.
The addresses of these locations are:
- Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) c/o: OGS Mailroom Empire State Plaza 240 State Street P-1 South, J Dock Albany, N.Y. 12242
- Local library 1 address.
◦ Eagle Free Library: 3413 School St, Bliss, NY 14024.
◦ Gainesville Public Library: 10 Church Street, P.O Box 321 Silver Springs, NY 14550-0321
Availability of Local Agency Account (Intervenor) Funds
Intervenor funding is money that Applicants make available to qualified, locally affected parties and municipalities to offset certain expenses they incur in participating in the state permitting process. These funds are meant to encourage early and effective public involvement in project development and permitting.
- With the filing of its Article VIII permit application, Wethersfield Wind will submit the required local agency account fee. These funds can be sought by local community intervenors and host towns. 75% of funds are reserved for municipalities.
- Any local agency or potential community intervenor seeking funding must submit a request for initial funding within 30 days of the date of application filing.
- Additional details regarding requests for local agency account funding will be provided once the Wethersfield Wind Article VIII has been submitted to ORES.
Requests for local agency account funds can be made via:
- The ORES Request for Local Agency Account Funding form available in the Resources section of the ORES website
- Or by email to general@ores.ny.gov
- Or by mail to Attention: Request for Local Agency Account Funding Office of Renewable Energy Siting Empire State Plaza 240 State Street P-1 South, J Dock Albany, NY 12242
If you have questions regarding the intervenor process, please contact the ORES office.
Contact ORES
To submit any questions or comments regarding the Article VIII permitting process, reach out to ORES by phone, email or written letter.
- Phone: (518) 473-4590
- Email: general@ores.ny.gov
- Mailing information (letters and envelopes):
Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES)
c/o OGS Mailroom Empire State Plaza
240 State Street P-1 South, J Dock
Albany, NY 12242
Project details
Operational since 2009, Wethersfield Wind is a project to which AES is excited to bring new life. The repowering of the wind park will have an increased energy generation capacity of 136MW of renewable electricity.
- The repowering of the wind park will incorporate significant component and control systems replacement with design improvements, resulting in greater energy production and improved energy reliability and availability.
- Repowering will ensure continued, significant economic benefits to the local community via HCA (Host Community Agreements) and PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes).
Learn more about wind energy from American Clean Power.
ACP Wind Property Values Fact Sheet
ACP Wind Turbine Disposal Fact Sheet
Meet your AES Team
Briggs Neal
Nathan Grosse
Dawit Kiflemariam
Contact us
We want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Wethersfield Wind Project.