AEP is bringing a lawsuit against GE Vernova on the grounds of breach of contract and breach of warranty on turbine purchases for wind projects in Oklahoma.
In documents filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York court, AEP alleges that the case against GE Vernova concerns the “purchase and sale of hundreds of turbines” for three projects in the state.
“Within only two to three years of commercial operation, the GE wind turbine generators have exhibited numerous material defects on major components and experienced several complete failures, at least one turbine blade liberation event, and other deficiencies,” alleged AEP.
The filing alleges that at the date of the complaint, 28 June 2024, a “significant portion of the wind turbine generators have completely failed or have otherwise been rendered inoperable, requiring immediate repair”.
“An even larger portion have exhibited one or more material defects that are reasonably expected to result in failures within their useful service life that will require expensive repairs.”
AEP claims to have already incurred “millions of dollars in costs and damages in the future” because it will “inevitably need to repair and/or replace” additional wind turbine generators in order to meet the energy production requirements of its customers.
It went on to allege that GE Vernova has refused to acknowledge responsibility to repair and/or replace all defective wind turbine generators.
AEP said that in addition to its claim for cash damages, it is seeking a declaratory judgement that GE Vernova is liable for expected future failures of its wind turbine generators.
A GE Vernova spokesperson told reNEWS: “We are disappointed that AEP has chosen to file this litigation.
“We care deeply about our customers and their success and will continue to work closely with AEP.
“We are currently reviewing the litigation and do not have any further comment at this time.”