North American Windpower: Vectren Energy Files Request To Purchase Wind Energy

Vectren Energy Files Request To Purchase Wind Energy

by NAW Staff Wednesday April 11 2007

Vectren Energy Delivery, an Evansville, Ind.-based electricity and natural gas provider, recently filed a request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) seeking authority to buy wind energy from an Indiana wind farm.

Vectren plans to buy nearly 95 million kWh per year of renewable energy from a 30 MW wind power expansion, which is planned for a 2008 completion in Benton County, Ind. This proposed 20-year power purchase agreement will be the first wind energy contract for Vectren, the company says. If approved, the purchase would provide enough energy to power approximately 8,000 homes per year.

Furthermore, the company has requested authority to implement a new green power program, which would permit its electric customers to purchase energy from the wind farm. If approved, residential and small commercial customers would subscribe to the green power program through the purchase of green energy blocks of 100 kWh at a fixed monthly rate. Although the official price tag is yet to be determined, subscriptions likely will be between $2 and $3 per block per month.

"This new program demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our generation portfolio to include a renewable energy source," says Niel Ellerbrook, Vectren's chair, president and chief executive officer. "With enough customer participation, this program should also significantly aid the development of additional Indiana renewable facilities."

According to the company, until the wind farm is complete, Vectren will purchase renewable energy certificates to meet customer demand for those who opt into the green power program.

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