New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has denied a permit for the Shepherd’s Run solar project in Columbia County, a project that has been contested locally for years. The decision was announced on October 14, 2026.
The Decision
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project | Shepherd’s Run Solar, 42 MW |
| Applicant | Hecate Energy Columbia County 1, LLC |
| Location | Town of Copake, Columbia County |
| Decision | Permit denied, October 14, 2026 |
| Reason | Applicant did not show compliance with environmental requirements, including flood protection; record also included wetlands issues |
| Matter number | 24-03041 |
“The full record in this matter showed that the application did not meet the criteria for permit issuance,” said ORES Interim Executive Director Jason Zehr.
How the Case Ran
- Four in-person and two virtual public comment hearings, plus a written comment period.
- An adjudicatory hearing in Copake on September 14, 2026 on wetland and flood protection issues.
- Local intervenor funding: ORES requires applicants to contribute $1,000 per megawatt to a fund for local parties. For 42 MW that is $42,000 (42 × $1,000), which was awarded to the Town of Copake and other community intervenors. The town used its share to hire experts, including on wetlands and flood protection.
A Second Denial
This is not the first time. In February 2024, ORES denied an earlier 60 MW Shepherd’s Run application after the applicant lost control of land it needed. The release also recalls a 2022 denial of the North Side Energy Center solar project in St. Lawrence County by the former Siting Board, over wetlands and threatened and endangered species.
Denials Are Rare
ORES says it has issued 38 permits since 2020, totaling over 5,400 MW. Against that record, a denial stands out. Both state officials quoted in the release framed it as the review process working: Department of Public Service CEO Rory Christian said New York “remains committed to advancing renewable energy projects that meet all standards established by law.”
The release does not discuss appeals or next steps for the applicant.
What It Means for Homeowners
Large solar farms and home solar are regulated separately. This decision does not affect rooftop solar, net metering or community solar subscriptions in New York. It matters more for the state’s long-term supply of renewable power and, indirectly, for wholesale prices over time.
For what is changing on New York bills now, see our New York rate guide and October PSC session summary.
Limitations
Based on the Department of Public Service press release. We did not read the ORES decision itself.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Why was Shepherd's Run Solar denied?
ORES determined the applicant had not demonstrated compliance with applicable environmental considerations, including flood protection requirements. An adjudicatory hearing in Copake on September 14, 2026 focused on wetland and flood protection issues.
How big was the Shepherd's Run project?
42 megawatts, proposed by Hecate Energy Columbia County 1, LLC in the Town of Copake, Columbia County. An earlier 60 MW application was denied in February 2024.
How often does New York deny large solar permits?
Rarely. ORES says it has issued 38 permits since 2020, totaling over 5,400 MW. Its release mentions one other denial, North Side Energy Center in St. Lawrence County in August 2022, decided by the former Siting Board.
Does this affect rooftop or community solar?
No. ORES permits large renewable projects. The decision does not change rules for home solar or community solar subscriptions.
