Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) today called on Convergent Energy and Power to immediately engage with local officials and provide fair, taxable compensation for its solar and battery storage facility located in the Town of Lyme and Village of Chaumont. The facility currently pays nothing toward local taxation.

Gray noted that while Convergent Energy and Power applied for exemption under New York’s Real Property Tax Law §487, Jefferson County appropriately responded within the statutory 60-day period to request negotiations for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement. Despite that timely response, the company has not entered into meaningful discussions or made any financial contribution to offset its impact on local resources.

“The record is clear: Jefferson County acted within the law, yet Convergent Energy and Power continues to operate a revenue-generating facility that contributes nothing to the cost of essential local services,” said Gray. “This facility relies on the protection of volunteer fire departments, emergency management and local infrastructure, all of which are funded by taxpayers who receive no benefit from this project’s presence.”

Gray also referenced the lithium-ion battery fire that occurred at a Convergent facility, which required a prolonged emergency response, demonstrating the financial and safety burdens these projects place on rural communities. “When a company places demands on local emergency resources and contributes nothing back to sustain them, that is unacceptable,” he said.

“The communities in Chaumont, Lyme and Jefferson County reluctantly host renewable energy development,” Gray continued. “That goodwill must be reciprocated with accountability. It is both a moral and civic obligation for Convergent Energy and Power to engage in good-faith negotiations and ensure the community receives fair compensation.”

Gray concluded that continued avoidance of negotiation or contribution is inexcusable and undermines the integrity of corporate partnership expected in New York’s clean energy transition.