May 4, 2011
New York

Wind incentives extended for local turbine projects

By Ben Beagle, The Daily News, thedailynewsonline.com 4 May 2011

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has extended its wind incentives for six months and added an additional $1.4 million for projects, including three farms in Genesee County.

Two on-site wind turbine projects in Basom and one in Batavia received funding. Wayne E. Phelps Enterprises Inc. of Basom was approved for $156,000. The Ledge Farms in Basom was approved for $154,000. Thorndale Livestock in Batavia was approved for $37,500.

NYSERDA, a public-benefit corporation, has provided $3.6 million in incentives for 33 projects since the program began in October 2010, officials said in a news release.

The incentives have also helped leveraged $5.2 million in private investment in residential-based wind power.

The projects have included 43 residences, 40 farms, three schools, four businesses, two not-for-profits and a town to create energy. The systems are expected to generate more than 1.7 megawatt-hours annually, enough electricity to power 260 single-family homes for a year, NYSERDA said.

NYSERDA received a record 33 applications for this year’s program. The program helps qualified property owners install wind turbines to generate electricity by providing funding to support about 30 percent of purchase and installation costs, officials said.

The program provides incentives for systems up to 600kW per site, not to exceed $400,000 per site.

Homeowners, farmers, businesses and municipalities are eligible to apply, officials said.

NYSERDA has offered wind incentives in several incarnations since 2008.

Funding for the current program is provided through the Renewable Portfolio Standard, a program funded by ratepayers and power producers that invests in clean-energy power production around the state. Funding amounts available for this program are determined by the Public Service Commission.

Other recently funded projects included two farms in Columbia County, a country club in Madison County, a real estate company in Henrietta, a farm in Ransonville, and a farm and a residence in Oswego County.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/05/04/wind-incentives-extended-for-local-turbine-projects/