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| PRESS RELEASE: UPC WIND'S MILFORD WIND CORRIDOR PROJECT BUILDS MOMENTUM AS PART OF UTAH'S PUSH FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY |
| Completion of a long-term power purchase agreement and enactment of SB 223 represent major milestones for the development of Utah’s largest wind farm |
| 03/19/2007 |
Milford, UT—March 19, 2007—UPC Wind, a leader in U.S. wind power production, today announced two major milestones for its Milford Wind Corridor project. These milestones include the completion of a 20-year 200 megawatt power purchase agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), which builds upon the momentum gained out of the recent support from the Governor and the Utah Legislature for energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives included within SB 223.
“The State of Utah is supportive of the development of clean and renewable energy,” said Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. “The Milford Wind Corridor creates a potential source for renewable energy and generates new jobs in the process. I look forward to seeing the innovations that UPC Wind can bring to our state.”
One of the key bills signed into law last week by Governor Huntsman, SB 223, provides tax credit incentives for residential and commercial renewable energy systems. The Milford Wind Corridor project with its proposed 80 wind turbine generators will be one of the first and the largest renewable energy facilities in Utah to benefit from this legislation. Upon its anticipated completion in December 2008, the facility will contribute significant property tax revenues and royalty payments to landowners while diversifying the employment base within both Millard and Beaver Counties where the proposed site is to be located.
“SB 223 will provide economic development opportunities to rural Utah and demonstrates that Utah is friendly to renewable energy investments and industries,” said Senator Howard Stephenson (R-District 11), who sponsored SB 223 and serves as President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. “We are pleased that UPC Wind has selected a location in Millard and Beaver Counties, which will surely benefit from the new technology that will be brought to the region as part of this project. Most importantly it will provide a major increase in the tax base in those two counties, which will benefit education.”
Building on these milestones, UPC Wind will now move forward with a NEPA review of the project led by the Bureau of Land Management. During this process, UPC executives will work closely with state and local officials and engage other key stakeholders during the permitting process. Officials from both Beaver and Millard Counties have already played integral roles in building a support base for the proposed facility, which will be situated eight miles outside of Milford.
“Signing SB 223 into law and securing a long-term customer were critical first steps for the Milford Wind Corridor project,” said Paul Gaynor, President and CEO of UPC Wind. “With the continued support from state and county leaders, we look forward to advancing this project that will bring new technology to the region and offer the potential to serve a significant component of Utah’s native load with clean and affordable energy.”
In addition to increasing domestic energy production and increasing energy security, wind power is considered cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity, such as oil or gas. Unlike traditional polluting sources of energy, wind has no fuel cost, therefore serving as a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices, which in most markets in the US constitutes a significant portion of monthly electricity bills. Wind power also emits no greenhouse gases or other damaging pollutants.
About First Wind
First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts. First Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning, and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com.
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For more information, contact:
John Lamontagne
Director, Communications
First Wind
617-964-3340
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