Basin Electric, Western team up on wind purchase

Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Western today agreed to a precedent-setting purchase of wind power between the two organizations—just one more way the two utilities are showing their commitment to renewable energy in the West.

The three-year contract provides for Western to purchase the output from an existing 50-megawatt wind farm. The purchase of wind energy, capacity and renewable attributes from Basin Electric’s existing wind generation will help Western offset the effects of prolonged drought in the Missouri River Basin, the area from which both organizations market and deliver power. The short-term contract is effective from Jan. 1, 2010, until Dec. 31, 2012. Renewable attributes refer to the intangible environmental benefits associated with the generation of one megawatt-hour of electric energy by a renewable resource. Read more.

Also in the news

Economic Stabilization Bill Includes Clean Energy Tax Incentives

President Bush signed into law on October 3 the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424), which also extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Read more.

Girl Scouts "change the world" with Western employee's help

Brownie Troop 2711 from Littleton, Colo., is helping to make the world a better place one homeowner and light bulb at a time. Inspired by the EPA “Change the World” campaign, troop leader Carolyn Hinkley of Western’ Corporate Communications team organized the first- through third-grade girls to hand out free energy-efficient light bulbs on Oct. 3 to residents in their south Denver neighborhood. Read more.

Western releases 2007 annual report

Western's fiscal year 2007 Annual Report is a story about weaving partnerships. The partnerships we've forged with customers and others to provide the reliable, constant flow of power and dependable service on which the public has come to rely.

This year's report highlights the agency's top three goals—transmission expansion, customer service building and renewable energy integration. Read the full report in Western's newsroom.

Equipment Loan Program seeks new tools

The Equipment Loan program, which allows Western customers to “test-drive” technical diagnostic tools and education kits, is looking for new technologies to add to its library.

Have you heard about a new tool that could increase your operation’s efficiency or help your consumers cut their energy costs? Maybe you would like more units of an in-demand technology, like our popular infrared cameras.

Use the online Equipment Request Form to submit your suggestions, and enter your idea in the “Comments” field. You can also call the Equipment Loan program manager with your requests at 720-962-7420.

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