New agreements signed by Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. (OG&E) are expected to more than triple its current wind power capacity by the end of 2010, according to the utility. Developers plan to build two new wind farms in northwestern Oklahoma. Construction is contingent upon Oklahoma Corporation Commission's approval of the agreements negotiated by OG&E.
The agreements result from a competitive bid process conducted by OG&E earlier this year. Silver Spring, Md.-based CPV Renewable Energy Co. has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the utility for its 150 MW wind farm in Woodward County. Irvine, Calif.-based Edison Mission Energy has also signed a 20 year PPA for a 130 MW facility in Dewey County. Under the agreements, the developers will build, own and operate the wind generating facilities, and OG&E will purchase their electric output.
The two new facilities and OG&E's proposed and existing projects would combine to give the utility a total of 550 MW of wind generation capacity.
OG&E received more than 50 responses from a variety of developers and sites after it issued its request for proposals from wind power developers. Negotiations continue with Chermac Energy, the third bidder on OG&E's short list announced in June, for an additional 150 MW of wind energy from Texas County. The company also expects to solicit additional proposals from wind developers in the next several months, with an eye toward adding more wind generation in 2011 or 2012.
SOURCE: Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co.
