The New York State Public Service Commission announced on April 29 that it will hold a virtual public statement hearing and procedural conference regarding the North Seneca Solar Project on Wednesday, May 6. The petition, filed by North Seneca Solar Project, LLC in December 2025, seeks a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct and operate a solar-powered electric generating facility in Waterloo and Junius, Seneca County.
The proposed facility would have a maximum capacity of 90 megawatts and would connect to the state power grid through an existing transmission line. According to the Commission, construction and operation of the project are subject to terms set by the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), which issued a siting permit in August 2025. The current review by the Commission will not revisit issues already addressed by ORES.
A virtual public statement hearing is scheduled for May 6 at 2:00 p.m., with electronic access provided via Webex. Participants can join online or by phone using event credentials provided in the announcement. Those wishing to comment may make statements during the hearing; all participants will be muted upon entry until called upon by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Written comments are also encouraged for those unable or preferring not to speak during the session.
Individuals who require special accommodations due to disabilities or language barriers are advised to contact appropriate services as outlined in the notice. Additional ways for submitting comments include online submission referencing Case 25-E-0768 through https://dps.ny.gov or mailing them directly to Secretary Michelle L. Phillips at Public Service Commission offices in Albany. Comments must be submitted no later than May 12.
Immediately following the public statement hearing, a virtual procedural conference will take place as part of the same teleconference session. The main purpose is to identify potential parties interested in participating further and discuss any proposals about procedures moving forward—including whether an evidentiary hearing is needed based on facts presented.
The outcome of these proceedings could influence how large-scale renewable energy projects are reviewed and approved within New York State.
