Benton PUD Purchases energy from White Creek Wind Project

In anticipation of meeting renewable mandates now required by law, Benton PUD has purchased a 3% share (6.14 MW) of Klickitat PUD’s 16 percent of the White Creek Wind Project. Based on one-third capacity factor, this represents two average megawatts (2aMW) which is enough energy for approximately 1,070 homes served by Benton PUD. 

Benton PUD invested $11 million from reserves for renewable energy from the White Creek Wind project to meet mandates imposed by The Energy Independence Act (Initiative 937).  Passed in 2006, Benton PUD is now required to have at least three percent of the utility’s power from renewable sources by 2012, not counting hydro. 

Benton PUD’s purchase, in addition to the purchase of three aMW from the Nine Canyon Wind project and one aMW from White Creek previously purchased, provides the District six aMW of renewable power which is enough to cover the forecasted amount needed for the 2012 mandate.  

The White Creek Project, located in the Columbia River Gorge, has 89 wind turbines with the total capacity of 205 megawatts with a projected annual output of 68 average megawatts. The project was developed by Cowlitz PUD, Klickitat PUD, Lakeview Light & Power and Tanner Electric Co-Op and began producing power in November 2007.  Lewis PUD recently purchased some of Klickitat PUD’s shares also to meet renewable mandates.