North American Windpower: Black Hills Issues RFP For 50 Percent Of Wind Project

by NAW Staff on Tuesday 16 August 2011

Black Hills Energy/Colorado Electric has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 50% ownership of the utility's 29 MW wind project, to be located in Huerfano County, Colo.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission recently approved the project, allowing Black Hills Energy to construct and own 50% of the wind project and authorized the company to conduct a competitive solicitation for ownership of the other 50%.

Currently, the 50% of the project available through the RFP is owned by a wind developer and is subject to a renewable energy purchase agreement (REPA) with Black Hills Energy. If the utility determines that a new REPA with more favorable terms is available based on proposals gathered during the solicitation process, then a replacement REPA will be executed with the alternative investor no later than Jan. 1, 2012.

The project, planned for completion in late 2012, will include 16 Vestas wind turbines and will serve Black Hills Energy's 94,000 customers in southern Colorado. It is expected to create approximately 55 construction jobs for the state, as well as new and recurring tax revenues for Huerfano County.

The RFP, bid forms and other materials are available online and can be accessed at blackhillscorp.com. Proposals are due Oct. 1.

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