PSO Signs Wind Energy Deal
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), a subsidiary of American Electric Power, announced recently that it has signed long-term agreements to purchase approximately 198 megawatts (MW) of wind energy from two new wind farms planned for western Oklahoma.
The proposed projects include a 98.9 MW facility in Elk City, Okla. to be constructed by NextEra Energy Resource (formerly known as FPL Energy) and a 99 MW expansion of Horizon Wind Energy’s Blue Canyon facilities, located north of Lawton, Okla. Both sites are expected to be online by Dec. 31, 2009.
“As the state’s largest provider of wind power, PSO is proud to bring even more clean, renewable energy to our Oklahoma customers,” said Stuart Solomon, PSO president and chief operating officer. “Wind energy is an increasingly important part of our portfolio and with these purchases, energy from wind resources will represent a significant portion of our energy mix.”
With existing wind energy contracts for 392.7 MW, the addition of 197.9 MW of new wind energy will bring the total amount of renewable energy in PSO’s generation portfolio to 590.6 MW.
Although specific terms of the contracts are confidential, Solomon says the 20-year agreements will not result in higher prices for customers.
Both of the new Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements (REPA) have been presented to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) for approval.
Execution of the REPAs is consistent with PSO’s long-term resource plan which calls for increasing percentages of its energy supply to come from renewables.
Updated 03-13-2009
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