Largest Wind Farm Keeps On Giving
"The power will be delivered at a price that is competitive with
other sources of wholesale market energy."
- Steve Silkworth, Avista's project manager
Spokane, Washington - April 8, 2004 [SolarAccess.com]
Avista Utilities, an operating division of Avista began receiving additional
energy generated from the Stateline Wind Energy Center. Avista and PPM Energy
have agreed on terms of a 10-year contract to provide up to 35 MW of energy and
renewable energy credits beginning April 7, 2004.
The Stateline Wind Energy Center, located near Walla Walla, Washingon, has a
capacity of 300 MW and is the largest single wind generating facility in the
world. In addition to energy, Avista will acquire from PPM an equivalent amount
of renewable energy credits coming from either Stateline or other renewable
energy sources that meet applicable certification standards.
The company expects to receive approximately 10 average MW of energy over the
course of a year, which is enough power for approximately 6,500 homes.
"The power will be delivered at a price that is competitive with other
sources of wholesale market energy," said Steve Silkworth, Avista's project
manager. "This contract represents a significant step in the integration of
wind power into our resource mix. It will help us meet our customers' current
and future energy needs through the use of additional renewable resources."
Other renewable resources owned and operated by Avista include hydroelectric
generation and the Kettle Falls wood-waste fired generating project.
Avista has been offering customers the opportunity to voluntarily purchase wind
power through its Buck-A-Block program since 2002. Avista will continue to offer
this program with minor changes to reflect a focus on the environmental
attributes or benefits associated with the new renewable generation. Details of
these changes will be announced later.
Apr 8, 2004 SolarAccess.com