Bear Ridge Solar
A 93MW (AC) solar project proposed in the towns of Cambria and Pendleton, Niagara County, New York.
Bear Ridge Solar is a utility-scale solar project that will be sited on a combination of rural, agricultural, and industrial land. This project will safely generate enough clean electricity to supply power to approximately 20,000 single-family homes in the area. Bear Ridge Solar will also help New York State and Niagara County offset thousands of tons of carbon emissions every year.
Bear Ridge Solar
This project will be sited on privately owned agricultural land in an area with ease of access to transmission lines.
Cypress Creek is a leading solar developer and operator across New York. We have completed development and construction on 35 projects and manage an operating portfolio of 85 MW across the Empire State. In 2019 alone, Cypress Creek reached commercial operation on 12 projects in New York. We strive to be good neighbors and contribute to the communities where our people and our projects are located. We focus our community engagement efforts on four key areas: Environmental Sustainability, STEM Education and Workforce Development, Economic Development and Community Investment, and Veterans Initiatives.
Bear Ridge Solar will support the State of New York in achieving its transition to70% renewable energy by 2030 under the Clean Energy Standard while providing low-cost, clean and dispatchable energy to customers in Niagara County.
Bear Ridge Solar will deliver real benefits that will help build a stronger community.
Local Community Benefits
Partnering with Local Unions
We are proud to have reached a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), 3rd District. This means that construction will be completed by members of IBEW Local 237 which is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Creation of Local Construction Jobs
The construction of this facility will create the equivalent of 240+ full-time equivalent onsite jobs for local workers. Most of these jobs will be for construction and installation, while the remaining jobs will be for construction-related services.
New Source of Tax Revenue
Bear Ridge Solar will increase local tax proceeds from the land where the project will be located without any new public infrastructure costs. This means an overall net gain in tax revenue to the Town, County, and School Districts.
Host Community Agreement
In addition to tax revenue, we will work directly with local stakeholders to build a Host Community Agreement (HCA) that benefits the community. An HCA aims to deliver public improvements and other municipal services directly to the towns of Cambria and Pendleton.
Local Energy Production and Distribution
Energy from Bear Ridge Solar will be generated and distributed locally and flow into the existing electric grid. This facility will safely generate enough clean electricity to power nearly 20,000 homes annually.
Project Timeline
First, we locate suitable land near a transmission line or substation that has enough capacity to host our proposed project.
Planning
First, we locate suitable land near a transmission line or substation that has enough capacity to host our proposed project.
During this process we refine project layout and rule out environmental impacts. With this information we apply for permits.
Development
During this process we refine project layout and rule out environmental impacts. With this information we apply for permits.
The construction of a project can proceed once all permits are acquired. This can take 12-18 months, subject to project size.
Construction
The construction of a project can proceed once all permits are acquired. This can take 12-18 months, subject to project size.
A project becomes operational when it is constructed and connected to the grid. Solar Projects can operate for up to 40 years.
Operation
A project becomes operational when it is constructed and connected to the grid. Solar Projects can operate for up to 40 years.
From Development to Decommissioning
Bear Ridge Solar Project Timeline
The timeline below is a combination of actualized and estimated dates regarding the development, permitting, construction, and decommissioning of Bear Ridge Solar. Future dates listed are subject to change based on many factors.
Before a project can be officially kicked off land must first be leased in a location with access to transmission lines.
Lease Agreements Authorized
Before diligence can truly begin on a potential solar site leases must be signed with willing landowners.
Title and Survey Work
Once leases are finalized and access to the land is granted then ownership and boundaries of the leased parcels are confirmed via desktop and on-ground surveys.
Diligence and studies must be completed for each site to make sure it is an appropriate site for solar development.
Zoning and Permitting Research
While title and survey work are being completed information is also pulled together on the permitting process applicable to a specific project.
Environmental Diligence
When parcel boundaries are confirmed, and the correct permitting path is identified, environmental surveys and studies can begin. These studies help us avoid or mitigate environmental impacts. Correspondence with state and federal agencies is ongoing throughout this process to confirm study plans and results.
The NYISO completes studies to verify the viability of each project that is proposed to connect to the electrical grid.
Interconnection Request
Before the interconnection process can begin the owner of each project must first submit an interconnection request to the NYISO, have a scoping call with the NYISO and the relevant utility, and claim a spot in the Interconnection Queue.
Interconnection Studies
Studies are completed by the NYISO to validate the capacity at a project’s point of interconnection on a transmission line. Deposits are made by each developer to fund the studies. If upgrades are needed to support the project’s connection to the grid, then the NYISO will estimate dollar amounts and assign them to the project’s developer.
After the Interconnection studies are complete an agreement can be drafted between the NYISO, the Utility, and the Developer.
Interconnection Agreement
An Interconnection Agreement states the agreed upon project size and dictates milestones and tasks that must be completed prior to project construction and connection to the grid.
Before a project can be built it must first acquire the necessary permits, which can vary based on project size and location.
Application Preparation
An application is pulled together and contains many environmental, economic, and engineering studies. During application preparation, a developer is required to engage the local stakeholders and communities to inform them about the proposed project.
Application Submission
When an application is completed it is submitted to the Lead Agency, which reviews the application. A Lead Agency can request modifications to the application if more information is required before approval can be given.
When a developer has provided a satisfactory application then the Lead Agency can give approval and issue a permit.
Application Approval
After an application is approved, compliance filings may be required depending on the permitting process. Compliance filings under NYS 94-c Regulations can take up to a year to complete. This must be completed before notice to proceed (NTP) for construction can be given.
Construction of the solar facility can begin once all permits are in hand and construction-ready designs are completed.
Construction Phase
The construction phase can take anywhere from 12-18 months depending on start time and permit limitations. Breaks may be scheduled in order to avoid impacts to native species or to the local community.
Commercial Operation Date (COD) is often agreed upon by the NYISO, Utility, and Developer in the Interconnection Agreement.
Placed In Service
When a project is fully constructed it can be placed in service, meaning it is fully operational and producing energy. Maintained solar facilities can be operational for up to 40 years.
At the end of a facility's lifespan, the owner is responsible for the cost and effort of decommissioning the project.
Deconstruction
The developer or project owner is responsible for deconstructing and recycling all components of the solar facility at the end of its operational life. A decommissioning bond, equivalent to the expected cost of decommissioning at the expected time of decommissioning, is held in place in case the developer or owner is no longer able to actively control the process. All land and facilities are restored to their state prior to construction after decommissioning.
June 2016 - October 2021
Site Discovery
Before a project can be officially kicked off land must first be leased in a location with access to transmission lines.
Lease Agreements Authorized
Before diligence can truly begin on a potential solar site leases must be signed with willing landowners.
Title and Survey Work
Once leases are finalized and access to the land is granted then ownership and boundaries of the leased parcels are confirmed via desktop and on-ground surveys.
November 2020 - March 2025
Diligence and Environmental Studies
Diligence and studies must be completed for each site to make sure it is an appropriate site for solar development.
Zoning and Permitting Research
While title and survey work are being completed information is also pulled together on the permitting process applicable to a specific project.
Environmental Diligence
When parcel boundaries are confirmed, and the correct permitting path is identified, environmental surveys and studies can begin. These studies help us avoid or mitigate environmental impacts. Correspondence with state and federal agencies is ongoing throughout this process to confirm study plans and results.
July 2018 - December 2021
Interconnection Request and Studies
The NYISO completes studies to verify the viability of each project that is proposed to connect to the electrical grid.
Interconnection Request
Before the interconnection process can begin the owner of each project must first submit an interconnection request to the NYISO, have a scoping call with the NYISO and the relevant utility, and claim a spot in the Interconnection Queue.
Interconnection Studies
Studies are completed by the NYISO to validate the capacity at a project’s point of interconnection on a transmission line. Deposits are made by each developer to fund the studies. If upgrades are needed to support the project’s connection to the grid, then the NYISO will estimate dollar amounts and assign them to the project’s developer.
May 2021 - October 2026
Interconnection Agreement
After the Interconnection studies are complete an agreement can be drafted between the NYISO, the Utility, and the Developer.
Interconnection Agreement
An Interconnection Agreement states the agreed upon project size and dictates milestones and tasks that must be completed prior to project construction and connection to the grid.
September 2020 - August 2022
Siting Application
Before a project can be built it must first acquire the necessary permits, which can vary based on project size and location.
Application Preparation
An application is pulled together and contains many environmental, economic, and engineering studies. During application preparation, a developer is required to engage the local stakeholders and communities to inform them about the proposed project.
Application Submission
When an application is completed it is submitted to the Lead Agency, which reviews the application. A Lead Agency can request modifications to the application if more information is required before approval can be given.
July 2023 - July 2024
Siting Approval and Permit Issuance
When a developer has provided a satisfactory application then the Lead Agency can give approval and issue a permit.
Application Approval
After an application is approved, compliance filings may be required depending on the permitting process. Compliance filings under NYS 94-c Regulations can take up to a year to complete. This must be completed before notice to proceed (NTP) for construction can be given.
September 2025 - December 2026
Construction
Construction of the solar facility can begin once all permits are in hand and construction-ready designs are completed.
Construction Phase
The construction phase can take anywhere from 12-18 months depending on start time and permit limitations. Breaks may be scheduled in order to avoid impacts to native species or to the local community.
June 2026 - June 2066
Commercial Operation
Commercial Operation Date (COD) is often agreed upon by the NYISO, Utility, and Developer in the Interconnection Agreement.
Placed In Service
When a project is fully constructed it can be placed in service, meaning it is fully operational and producing energy. Maintained solar facilities can be operational for up to 40 years.
June 2066
Decommissioning
At the end of a facility's lifespan, the owner is responsible for the cost and effort of decommissioning the project.
Deconstruction
The developer or project owner is responsible for deconstructing and recycling all components of the solar facility at the end of its operational life. A decommissioning bond, equivalent to the expected cost of decommissioning at the expected time of decommissioning, is held in place in case the developer or owner is no longer able to actively control the process. All land and facilities are restored to their state prior to construction after decommissioning.
Helpful Documents and Downloads.
Resources
As documents and resources become available, they will be linked below for easy access. All permit application documents will be located on the DPS DMM web page under Matter Number (21-02104). Please reach out if you have any questions.
We have answers to your questions.
About Bear Ridge Solar
Below we have included information about ORES and the 94-c Permitting Application submission and review process. There are many ways to get involved. Please reach out via our contact form if any of your questions have not been answered!
What is the Section 94-c Process?
On April 3, 2020, New York enacted the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (2020 Renewables Act), landmark environmental legislation which included a new executive law. Executive Law §94-c (Section 94-c) created the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES).
Section 94-c established ORES as a new state agency within the Department of State. Since its formation, ORES enacted a regulatory framework for the siting of major renewable energy facilities, and protocols for the receipt and processing of siting permit applications received. Effective March 3, 2021, ORES promulgated its new regulations at 19 NYCRR Part 900.
The siting permit review process is conducted by ORES pursuant to Section 94-c and the ORES’s regulations at 19 NYCRR Part 900. These regulations contain several features requiring public notice of applications, public access to application materials, and opportunities to participate in the 94-c review process; these laws also provide significant funding for Local Agencies and eligible Potential Community Intervenors to retain qualified expertise to represent their interests and participate in the 94-c application review process.
Regulations Implementing Section 94-C of the Executive Law
How can I access application materials?
The Bear Ridge Solar Project filed its 94-c application on November 30, 2021. The application materials can be viewed online at the DPS DMM Website under Matter number 21-02104 (linked below).
Copies of the finalized application can also be viewed at the following locations:
Cambria Town Hall
4160 Upper Mountain Road Sanborn, NY 14132
Pendleton Town Hall
6570 Campbell Blvd. Lockport, NY 14094
Sanborn-Pekin Free Library
5884 West Street Sanborn, NY 14132
Lockport Public Library
23 East Avenue Lockport, NY 14094
Bear Ridge Solar 94-c Permitting Application Materials
How can I receive updates about this project?
First: Create a My Ny.Gov ID Account.
Open https://my.ny.gov/ and click “Don’t Have an Account”.
Choose “Person” to sign up for a personal account and enter the required information.
Complete the activation steps by logging into your email and clicking on the activation link.
Complete the activation process and click “Continue” to navigate to the password settings.
Enter and save a new password.
Second: Log into Your Account for the First Time.
Once you have completed the account set-up, navigate to the ORES Permit Portal.
Enter your My.NY.gov username and password. You will be prompted to confirm your email address. Once confirmed, you will be sent an email to complete your registration.
Click on the link to complete registration. This process will entail entering your credentials, including name and mailing address.
Once you are fully registered, you can subscribe to receive notifications on the application.
Third: Manage Your Service List and Party List Subscriptions.
To monitor the proceedings of the Bear Ridge Solar application, subscribe to the service list and/or party list.
To do so, login to the ORES permit portal using your My.NY.gov account at the link below.
From the homepage, click on Manage Your Service List & Party List Subscriptions. Enter the permit application number (21-02104) or search for the permit application.
Add the organization in the Appearing on Behalf of field. You can enter yourself in this field. Then choose the Electronic Consent and Email Preference you wish and hit Subscribe.
Once you are fully registered, you can subscribe to receive notifications of the application.
How to access documents from the ORES website:
From the ORES website (linked below), click the “Permit Applications” tab, which will connect you to the part of the site regarding pending projects. You will be able to view and access projects that have submitted notices of intent, projects that are under review, and permitted projects. Simply click on the project’s associated matter number to view and access documents related to the project. The matter number for the Bear Ridge Solar application is 21-02104
ORES Permit
How can I receive intervenor funding?
Pursuant to Subpart 900-5 of the Regulations, local agencies and potential community intervenors seeking funds from the local agency account may submit a request to the Office within thirty (30) days after application filing, and a notice will be issued by ORES providing details on the process and timing for making such requests for funds as soon as the application is filed. In general, such requests should be made to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, at the Albany, New York office, Attention: Request for Local Agency Account Funding.
** Please note that the period to apply for intervenor funding for the Bear Ridge Solar application review process has passed.
How can I get in contact with ORES?
ORES Staff Contact Information:
ORES
Phone: (518) 473-4590
[email protected]
Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES)
c/o: OGS Mailroom
Empire State Plaza
P-1 South, J Dock
Albany, N.Y. 12242
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