“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç

System benefits charges doled out to five wind projects in upstate New York will help add 315 MW of wind in the state, a six-fold increase over current generation. Pending negotiations, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is contributing $17 million to five projects: Atlantic Renewable Energy Corporation for 100 MW plant in Lewis County; Global Wind Harvest for 75 MW in Steuben and Yates counties and a 40.5 MW facility in Otsego County; York WindPower to construct and operate 51 MW in Chautauqua County; and Zilkha Renewable Energy to develop a 50 MW project in Erie County. All will use 1.5 MW turbines. Governor George Pataki stressed the benefits of "boosting energy security by reducing our need for imported energy." The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is also asking for bids for up to 50 MW of energy from current or new wind projects in the state for periods of ten or 15 years, beginning January 1, 2005. In assessing the bids, NYPA will consider the cost of the power; potential job creation and environmental impact. Last year, Pataki ordered state facilities to buy 10% of their energy from renewable resources by 2005 and 20% by 2010. He also released the 2002 State Energy Plan in June, which calls for increasing renewable energy use in New York by 50% (“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç, July 2002).