By Greentech Lead America: NorthWestern
Energy has asked Compass Wind to move forward with construction on the
40-megawatt Spion Kop Wind Project near the central Montana community of
Geyser.
Recently, The Montana Public Service Commission approved
placement of the $86.1 million project into the NorthWestern Energy’s regulated
rate base. Both the energy and associated renewable energy credits will be used
to meet the renewable portfolio standards obligations in Montana law.
Montana’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) mandates 15
percent of NorthWestern Energy’s total energy
portfolio produced from renewable generation by 2015. Spion Kop Wind Project
will significantly advance the Montana’s progress toward these goals.
“We’re
pleased to be moving forward on the project so that we can meet our 2015
renewable portfolio standards obligation while maintaining a balanced,
environmentally responsible portfolio of generation resources that contributes
to long-term rate stability,” said Bob Rowe, president and CEO of Compass
Wind.
The
Spion Kop Wind Project will include 25 1.6 megawatt GE wind turbines near
Geyser, Montana. Construction will begin later this spring, and expected to
complete by the end of the year.
“It’s
a great project and will be of great benefit to the county. Compass Wind has
been really good to work with and we’ve received nothing but positive feedback
from our local constituents about this project,” said Cody McDonald, chairman
of Judith Basin County Commission.
Recently,
Northwestern energy partnered with
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to save
wild birds. A linesman hanging out of a helicopter installed hundreds of
reflective bird diverters onto power lines near Broadview.