NextEra Energy Resources is a national leader in wind development and operations. Learn more about wind generation, how NextEra Energy Resources develops and operates wind energy centers and the location of the company’s facilities here.
Q. How much energy will with this center produce?
A. The estimated generating capacity of the project will be 101.8 MW, which is enough clean, renewable energy electricity to power more than 46,500 New York homes.
Q. What are the benefits to local communities and landowners?
A. The Eight Point Wind Energy Center is expected to deliver new jobs, taxes and economic development to Steuben County and the towns of Greenwood and West Union. The project will build on Steuben County’s proven track record of wind energy success, and position the county as a leader in wind energy production.
Q. What does this mean in terms of additional local government revenue?
A. Once operational, the project is estimated to provide more than $40 million in revenue to local governments to support schools, infrastructure and vital services such as fire departments.
Q. Will local landowners benefit?
A. Yes, payments to landowners are estimated to be $25 million over the 30-year expected life of the project.
Q. Will the project create jobs?
A. Yes, temporary construction employment will likely be drawn from the Steuben County and the Southern Tier labor market to the greatest extent possible. Local construction employment will primarily benefit those in the construction trades, including equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers, and electricians. NextEra Energy Resources encourages local hiring to the greatest extent possible and workers from outside the area who fill specialized job functions will add to the regional economy by staying in area hotels, eating in the local restaurants and shopping in Steuben County stores. Approximately 10 permanent jobs are expected to be created once the project is operational.
Q: Will construction be disruptive?
A: During construction, we are respectful of our neighbors and ensure that we work with the community to achieve the best results for all involved. Throughout the construction phase, you can expect to see heavy equipment including bulldozers, graders, trenching machines, concrete trucks, flatbed trucks and large cranes. We are committed to avoiding unnecessary disturbance of local residents by planning construction during daytime hours and ensuring operations are planned to minimize interference with key activities such as planting or harvesting. You can learn more about how we approach construction here.
Q: Will this project affect the property values of our homes
A: Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found that changes to property values of homes are not caused by the existence of a wind facility.
Q: What does a lease cover?
A: The easement, in most cases (easements can differ and are legal agreements between NextEra Energy Resources and private landowners) will cover:
- Payment terms
- Length of lease
- Other uses of the property
- The location and type of access roads and other support facilities
- The condition of the land after wind operations cease
Q: What involvement does the community have in a wind energy project?
A: Building a strong partnership with the community is critical to the success of every one of our projects. Learn more about how NextEra Energy Resources works with communities here.
Q: What happens if the wind project farm is abandoned – who is responsible for removing the turbines?
A: NextEra Energy Resources has a contractual requirement through its lease agreements with its local landowner-partners to disassemble any wind turbine and wind turbine towers and to return land to its original condition.
Q: How is the project being approved?
A: Permitting and approval for the Eight Point Wind Energy Center is overseen by Article 10 and Article VII, two separate New York State processes.
Q: What is Article 10?
A: The Power NY Act of 2011 established a process for the siting of electric generating facilities and re-powering projects. As part of the process, a multi-agency Siting Board is charged with streamlining the permitting process for power plants of 25 megawatts (MW) or greater. The Power NY Act also encourages investments in clean plants and affords communities more opportunities to participate in the siting process. Learn more…
Q: What is article VII?
A: Article VII of the New York Public Service Law sets forth a review process for the consideration of any application to construct and operate a major utility transmission facility. The law defines major utility transmission facilities according to technical criteria including capacity and above-ground length. Learn more…
