Iberdrola renewables announces 30-MW PPA with upper midwest municipal power agency

Thursday, Jul 12, 2012

Iberdrola Renewables today announced a 20-year contract to sell 30 MW from its Rugby Wind Power Project, an operating wind farm in Pierce County, North Dakota, to Upper Midwest Municipal Power Agency (UMMPA), a municipal joint action agency. UMMPA will provide the clean energy to 15 member communities in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

“This 30 MW power purchase agreement will strongly support UMMPA’s continued efforts to bring clean energy to their members.”

The 30 MW of Rugby’s output will enable UMMPA members to meet their state renewable energy requirements and make an abundant supply of green power available to retail consumers and businesses.

“Purchasing wind power from Iberdrola Renewables is a smart economical decision for us and our members,” said Chuck Christensen, Chairperson of UMMPA. “We are purchasing a clean, renewable energy source, and locking in an affordable, long-term fixed rate for our members, which is so important in today’s energy markets.”

The Rugby Wind Power Project’s 71 wind turbines generate 149 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy. The project supports the local economy by contributing substantial revenue to the community through payments to Pierce County and to landowners, which together totals over $2 million annually. The project encompasses about 9,554 acres of land leased from 49 local landowners. The land continues to be used to grow corn, wheat, canola and sunflowers.

“Rugby is just one of our projects that can affordably deliver clean, renewable power to our customers,” said Barrett Stambler, vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “This 30 MW power purchase agreement will strongly support UMMPA’s continued efforts to bring clean energy to their members.”

Source: Business Wire