06-096 C.M.R. ch. 382, § 6 - Tangible Benefits

An applicant must demonstrate that a proposed wind energy development will establish environmental and economic improvements or benefits to the citizens of Maine attributable to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed development. The evidence submitted in support of this demonstration shall include, but is not limited to, the following.

A. The estimated number of both part-time and full-time jobs to be created statewide and in the host community or communities and affected neighboring communities as a result of the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development. This shall include estimates of the numbers of both permanent and temporary construction-related jobs, and operations and maintenance jobs; and the number of both part-time and full-time jobs in construction, operations and maintenance activities to be filled by trained, qualified and licensed workers pursuant to 32 M.R.S. §1101 et seq. and other applicable laws.

B. The estimated annual generation of electricity from wind energy by operation of the proposed wind energy development and the projected impact on electrical rates in the host community or communities. The estimated annual generation of electricity shall be calculated including consideration of the estimated capacity factor for the proposed project, site-specific wind projections, any proposed curtailment measures, and curtailment anticipated to be imposed by the grid operator.

C. The anticipated property tax payments from the project and the projected impact on property tax rates in the host community or communities.

D. Evidence of a power purchase agreement or other evidence demonstrating the intended sale or use of the electrical energy by a person other than the generator for the anticipated life of the project.

E. The projected effect on electrical rates for residents of Maine directly attributable to and expected from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.

F. If land or natural resource conservation is proposed as part of a Community Benefits Package, a plan for the proposed conservation.

G. The estimated type and amount of local purchases of materials and services anticipated from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.

H. A plan for annual post-construction reporting to the Department of specific tangible benefits realized from the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed wind energy development.

I. Any other tangible benefits to be provided by the proposed wind energy development.

J. The community benefits package in accordance with 35-A M.R.S. §3454(2).

Notes

06-096 C.M.R. ch. 382, § 6