Moving project development forward to meet New York’s “50 by 30” goal of 50% of all electricity generated across the state produced by renewable energy by 2030

Meeting clean energy standards, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying energy supply continue to drive demand for renewable energy in New York state. These projects represent significant financial investments by those developing the sites and the communities supporting the ventures. Harris Beach is a leader in representing and addressing the concerns of IDAs, municipalities, and real estate and project developers with renewable energy ventures.

Harris Beach’s cross-disciplinary energy team has the breadth of experience to structure the financing support desired by private sector energy developers while also advancing the public sector’s energy-independence goals across the state. We also assist both municipalities and developers in developing power purchase agreements.

Our attorneys counsel municipalities and other public sector entities with developing beneficial financial incentives, including property tax abatements, sales and use tax exemptions, and mortgage recording tax exemptions through the use of regional IDA incentives and state programs as well as assist with the development of Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreements.

For private developers of transmission and renewable energy projects, we provide in-depth knowledge and creative approaches to optimize state and local incentive programs, such as those mentioned above, as well as structuring private financing from investment groups and financial institutions. Our attorneys can also assist with corporate structuring and establishment of specific project entities, including tax equity structures.

In addition to financing support, our energy team provides the full scope of services required to overcome hurdles to get a project to fruition expeditiously. We counsel clients on renewable generation siting for large-and small-scale development including assistance with applications, meetings and other regulatory procedures with state agencies, including the PSC, NYSERDA, and DEC. We help analyze zoning, land use and environmental policy considerations, requirements and procedures at the state and local level. Additionally, we assist with the performance of due diligence necessary for the acquisition of renewable energy facilities as well as draft and negotiate engineering procurement and construction agreements.