California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: A.07-07-002
CPUC APPROVES ONE OF THE LARGEST
WIND POWER CONTRACTS IN THE U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2008 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved one of the largest wind energy contracts in the United States, providing for the development of at least 1,500 megawatts from multiple wind generating facilities to be built in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area.
The contract approved by the CPUC is between Southern California Edison and Alta Windpower Development. The Alta project will come on-line in phases, expected to start with 250 megawatts in 2010 and increase by 250 megawatts annually until a minimum of 1,500 megawatts or maximum of 1,550 megawatts is developed.
The table below provides a brief explanation of the project:
Generating Facility |
Type |
MW Capacity |
GWh Energy (the amount of energy, once the minimum of 1,500 MW is completed) |
Initial On-line Date |
Location |
Alta |
Wind |
1500 - 1550 |
4,730 |
2010 |
Tehachapi, CA |
Although the Alta projects will come online in phases, the total capacity represents just under half of the total needed to reach the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard goal, which requires that utilities obtain 20 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2010.
"This contract represents a substantial step towards meeting our renewable power and long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals," said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey.
"I am extremely pleased that we are adding this renewable energy to our state's portfolio. The Alta project is in the Tehachapi Wind Resource area, where the CPUC has already approved transmission investment," said Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich.
"This large wind project demonstrates California's commitment to green energy in the state," commented Commissioner Rachelle Chong. "By 2015, this development will have the capacity of three large gas fired power plants, but will produce zero greenhouse gas emissions."
The proposal is available at
http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/AGENDA_DECISION/82257.htm.
For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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