Wind Energy Systems

Link: NYS Clean Energy Goals

Note: No Wind Energy Systems are currently proposed within Livingston County as of April 2024.

What are Wind Energy Systems?

Wind power or wind energy is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity. It involves using wind turbines to convert the turning motion of blades, pushed by moving air (kinetic energy) into electrical energy (electricity). ~ Per US Dept of Energy.

Factors favorable for Wind Energy site location:

  • Proximity to Substations, Distribution Lines (KV), Transmission Lines (3-Phase)
  • Available capacity of line
  • Available land space
  • Landowner interest in leasing
  • Reasonable leasing rates
  • Open, cleared, relatively flat elevated lands
  1. 1 Solar Tour 2024 3
  2. 2 DSC_0044

Benefits & Challenges of Wind Energy Systems

Benefits:

  • Host Community Benefit Agreements
  • Cost savings on electric bills
  • Supplemental income for leasing landowners
  • Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreements with Taxing Jurisdictions (municipal, school and County)
  • Agriculture co-location opportunities  
  • Increased electrical energy supplied to the utility grid

Challenges:

  • Impacts on Soil & Natural Resources
  • Loss of active farmland and impacts to existing agricultural industry
  • Stormwater management and erosion control
  • Construction impacts – noise, traffic, road use damage
  • Aesthetic & visual impacts

Local Law & Moratorium Tracker of Wind Energy Systems in Livingston County as of April 2024

Municipality
Commercial 
Wind Energy Law?
If Yes, Click to
go to Law
Permits 
Commercial Scale 
Wind Energy Systems?
Comprehensive Plan References
Alternative / Renewable Energy?
Moratorium on
Commercial Scale 
Wind?
Town of
Avon
Yes
Yes
Yes - Solar, Wind, & Geothermal
No
Town of
Caledonia
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
Conesus
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
Geneseo
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
Groveland
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
Leicester
Yes
Yes
Comprehensive Plan
In Progress
No
Town of
Lima
Yes
N/A
References Green Energy
No
Town of
Livonia
No
No
N/A
No
Town of
Mount Morris
No
No
Yes - Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass Energy, & Methane Digesters
No
Town of
North
Dansville
No
No
Yes - Solar, Hydro, Thermal, & Wind
No
Town of
Nunda
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
Ossian
Yes, Section 4-26
No
Yes - Solar, Wind, & BESS
No
Town of
Portage
No
N/A
N/A
No
Town of
Sparta
In Progress
N/A
N/A
No
Town of
Springwater
Yes
Yes
N/A
No
Town of
West Sparta
Yes
Yes
Yes - Wind
No
Town of
York
Yes, Section 617
Yes
N/A
No
Municipality
Commercial 
Wind Energy Law?
If Yes, Click to
go to Law
Permits
Commercial Scale
Wind Energy Systems?
Comprehensive Plan References
Alternative / Renewable Energy?
Moratorium on
Commercial Scale
Wind?
Village of
Avon
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Caledonia
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Dansville
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Geneseo
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Leicester
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Lima
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Livonia
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Mount Morris
No
N/A
N/A
No
Village of
Nunda
No
N/A
N/A
No

Resource Links

NYSERDA Resources For Municipalities:

  • Wind Energy Guidebook, including:
    • Wind Energy & Your Community
    • Understanding Wind Energy
    • Wind Energy Site Selection
    • Community Considerations

Formation of Laws, Permitting, NYS Fire Code, & 94-C

Resources For Assessment, Taxation, Land Leasing, & PILOTS