Apex making some changes to project in Barre, including reducing turbines from 33 to 31

Editor:

We would like to offer a response to address some of the inaccuracies demonstrated in Tom Crawford’s recent letter to the editor about Heritage Wind (June 4, 2022). Our response reiterates the information we presented at the May 2022 Town of Barre Board meeting.

To begin, Heritage Wind has not been issued an amended permit. Rather, the project is planning to submit an application to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to amend its existing permit.

Second, we want to be clear about the wind turbine model selected. The proposed turbines are the same model that was submitted in the original application, with the same rotor size. However, due to technological advances, the turbines have a larger megawatt (MW) nameplate capacity, or power generation capability. The turbine that was permitted was 5.6 MW, and the turbine in the amendment will be 6 MW.

Regarding the moving or addition of any wind turbines, Heritage Wind is not adding four additional turbines to the permitted layout; Mr. Chandler’s statement is incorrect. Heritage Wind is removing six turbines (T1–T6) and replacing them with four turbines in new locations. The permitted layout includes 33 turbines, and the new layout will include 31 turbines. Per ORES regulations, there will be a notice sent to all residents within five miles of the project boundary, and we have agreed to Councilwoman Richardson’s recommendation to add the wind farm layout map to the notice.

As stated at the Town of Barre Board meeting, there will be a public hearing process once the amendment, with the new turbine locations, is filed. Once that happens, residents will have 60 days to provide written comment, or they may provide verbal comment for the record at the public hearing.

We also want to clarify “lightened regulation,” which pertains to Section 68 Certificate of the NYS Public Convenience and Need (CPCN), filed with the Public Service Commission (PSC). First, Section 68 CPCN is separate from the ORES permit application, and it does not apply to the specifications of the wind energy facility and layout.

Second, lightened regulation in a Section 68 CPCN refers to the type of PSC regulation applicable to power generation facilities. Lightened regulation is routinely granted by the PSC to most, if not all, large power generation facilities—wind and solar facilities, as well as traditional coal or natural gas power plants. This is because many of the PSC’s regulations were written for oversight of the day-to-day operations of utility companies to protect captive ratepayers. The PSC has stated that it does not make sense to apply the stringent regulations placed on utility companies to private market participants like Heritage Wind—hence “lightened regulation.”

We are here to answer your questions about Heritage Wind. We also want to ensure that you are receiving true and accurate information. Please reach out to us at any time if you have questions by emailing us at info@heritagewindpower.com.

Carmen O’Keefe

Development Manager

Apex Clean Energy