Cloudy with light rain early…then becoming partly cloudy. Low around 35F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..
Cloudy with light rain early…then becoming partly cloudy. Low around 35F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Updated: April 30, 2026 @ 7:10 pm
A 15-minute public hearing on Wednesday to take comments on the proposed Two Rivers Solar Farm in Brasher and Massena drew no comments. Provided photo
Reporter/Editor
A 15-minute public hearing on Wednesday to take comments on the proposed Two Rivers Solar Farm in Brasher and Massena drew no comments. Provided photo
MASSENA — A 15-minute public hearing on Wednesday to take comments on the proposed Two Rivers Solar Farm in Brasher and Massena drew no comments.
Two Rivers had filed a petition seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) and approval of financing.
A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) is a regulatory permit authorizing private companies to build, operate or expand essential public services such as utilities, pipelines or transportation, proving the project serves the public interest. It ensures projects meet environmental and economic standards before construction.
Commissioner John B. Maggiore from the state Public Service Commission said the hearing would assist him in making decisions regarding solar facilities.
“I would just like to thank anybody who has turned out to participate in this process. You’re taking time out of your schedule to make your voice heard, which I appreciate. The public statement hearings inject information that as a commissioner I find very helpful in better understanding items that might come before us,” he said.
Leah Amyot, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the Department of Public Service, said the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission had issued Two Rivers Solar a siting permit on Feb. 27. That authorized them to develop, design, construct, operate, maintain and decommission the solar energy generation facility in the towns of Brasher and Massena.
“Prior to constructing the facility, Two Rivers Solar also is required to obtain a CPCN from the commission. This public statement hearing is being held to receive comments on whether the commission should grant the requested CPCN and whether the commission should find that this facility is entitled to lighten regulation as a competitive wholesale generator,” Amyot said.
She said Public Service Law directs the Public Service Commission to consider the economic feasibility of the applicant, the applicant’s ability to finance improvements for the project, its ability to render safe, adequate and reliable service, and whether granting the service would serve the public interest.
She said the hearing was “an opportunity for the public to offer comments on the petition.” However, there were none offered during the session.
Although the hearing is finished, Amyot said comments were still welcome and must be received by May 6.
Written comments referencing “Case 25-E-0616” are welcome. Go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “25-E-0616” in the “Search by Case Number” box, and then click on “Post Comments” at the top of the page.
Comments may also be mailed to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350.
Individuals may also submit comments by calling the commission’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to receive in-state calls 24-hours a day.
The Two Rivers Solar Project will be an approximately 200-megawatt solar photovoltaic electric generating facility located on approximately 1,000 acres of land.
The project, which Boralex originated in 2021, will include solar arrays and other project infrastructure such as the site roads, substation, and electrical interconnection to the New York Power Authority’s new 345-kilovolt circuit.
The project will create approximately 150 jobs during construction, as well as two to three long-term jobs to support operations and maintenance. In addition, the project will boost the local economy and add commerce for local businesses during construction and operation, and will provide significant tax revenues to the towns of Massena and Brasher, St. Lawrence County and local school districts.
Construction and operation of the facility will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Siting Permit issued to Two Rivers Solar by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission on Feb. 27.
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