Wind Power

Benton PUD purchases wind energy from the White Creek Wind Project

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

Benton PUD invested $11 million from reserves that were built up from better than expected wholesale power sales 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 hydropower), nine percent in 2016 and 15 percent by 2020.  Benton PUD’s purchase, in addition to the purchase of three average megawatts from the Nine Canyon Wind project and one average megawatt from White Creek previously purchased, provides the District six average megawatts of renewable power.  This is enough to cover the forecasted amount Benton PUD needs for the 2012 mandate. This is enough power for 3,200 homes.

With the increased demand for renewable power by other utilities due to mandates imposed not only in Washington but in Oregon and California, the price and availability for renewable resources will be volatile in the future. The cost of White Creek is the lowest cost alternative for renewables that qualify for the state mandates.  What makes this purchase even more advantageous is that Power excessive of Benton PUD’s need is contracted to be sold until 2011.  The mandates come into effect in 2012.  Lewis PUD recently purchased some of Klickitat PUD’s shares also to meet renewable mandates. 

The White Creek Project is located in the Columbia River Gorge on 9,500 acres of ranchland, 21 miles east of Goldendale.  It has 89 wind turbines with the total capacity of 205 megawatts with a projected annual output of 68 average megawatts.  Each 2.3 megawatt wind turbine is 262 feet tall with 141 long blades. 

The project produces enough clean, renewable electricity to meet the needs of 38,000 Pacific Northwest residences.  Wind studies have shown that another 100 megawatts expansion is feasible at this location.

The project was developed by Cowlitz PUD, Klickitat PUD, Lakeview Light & Power and Tanner Electric Co-Op.  The project construction began in summer 2006 and started producing power in November 2007.