Cowlitz wind farm ahead of schedule, to go on line in November

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/northwest/story/195273.html

Oct, 1, 2007

Cowlitz wind farm ahead of schedule, to go on line in November

The Associated Press

KELSO, Wash. -- Cowlitz County Public Utility District officials say work on the White Creek Wind Farm in Klickitat County is nearly two months ahead of schedule.

Utility spokesman Dave Andrew says nearly 70 of the 89 windmills have been erected in the $361 million project. The 31.5-megawatt operation, the district's first foray into wind energy, was scheduled to go on line Jan. 1. But Andrews says the agency now expects the windmills to be producing power in the first week of November.

The utility is entitled to the largest share of the electricity from the wind farm - 46 percent - , with the rest to be divided among Klickitat County Public Utility District, Lakeview Light and Power, and Tanner Electric Cooperative.

[depakid]

1. Localized power

The NorthWest has been at the forefront of these projects. They're expensive up front, to be sure- but will yield dividends down the line.

Every little bit helps.