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Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a regional power cooperative that generates and transmits electricity to 124 member rural electric systems in nine states, announced that it reached an agreement with FPL Energy to build two 40-megawatt wind energy projects, one in each of the Dakotas. The agreement calls for Basin to purchase the energy output and the associated renewable energy certificates from the projects, which are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2003. Basin plans to market renewable energy certificates to consumers interested in paying a premium to support the development of new green power sources. FPL Energy will construct, own and operate the facilities.
Basin Electric also recently installed two 1.3-MW wind turbines in South Dakota and is constructing another two turbines in North Dakota to supply its Prairie Winds green pricing program. Basin teamed with its member cooperative, East River Electric Power Cooperative, to develop the South Dakota project and with another member, Central Power Electric Cooperative, on the North Dakota project. The U.S. Air Force base near Minot, ND has committed to purchase a significant portion of the North Dakota project output.
To date, 49 distribution coops in five states offer the Prairie Winds program to their members. Currently, program participants purchase 100-kWh blocks of wind power for an additional $3.00 per month. However, Basin plans to lower the price premium to $2.50 per block because the wind power development costs have been less than originally estimated.
News Release - Basin Electric announces two 40-MW wind projects in Dakotas - No longer online at basinelectric.com
News Release - Construction begins on PrairieWinds Minot - No longer online at basinelectric.com
Basin Contact: Ron Rebenitsch (701) 255-5120
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