Monday, November 29, 2004
Seattle City Council extends agreement for wind-generated power
The Seattle City Council has passed an ordinance that will allow the city to acquire wind-generated power through 2020.
The new legislation extends an agreement between Seattle City Light and the Stateline Wind Project near Walla Walla. In 2001, Seattle City Light entered into a 20-year agreement with the wind farm, but because of uncertainty about regional transmission, the utility only secured a 10-year contract on delivery. The legislation approved Monday secures delivery for the full 20 years.
The contract with Stateline provides 175 megawatts of wind-generating capacity, which produces an average of 54 megawatts per year -- enough to power about 45,000 homes.
Transmission rights will be purchased from PacifiCorp, city officials said. Existing utility finances are expected to cover the cost.
"City Light customers have a clear expectation that they will get the energy they need and the environment they want," Mayor Greg Nickels said.
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