Black Hills Energy electric utility subsidiaries in South Dakota and Wyoming recently filed for approval of new, voluntary renewable energy tariffs to serve customer requests for renewable energy resources. In addition, Black Hills Energy South Dakota and Wyoming electric utilities filed a joint application with the Wyoming Public Service Commission for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a new $57 million, 40-MW wind-power project near Cheyenne, Wyoming.
According to Black Hills, the new Renewable Ready Program means customers would be able to enter into contracts with the utility to purchase renewables for periods of five to 25 years and at a cost substantially lower than if they installed and maintained onsite projects,
Requests to approve the voluntary tariffs, known as Renewable Ready Service Tariffs, were submitted to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and Wyoming Public Service Commission. The Renewable Ready Program would provide large commercial and industrial customers and governmental agencies a cost-effective option to purchase utility-scale renewable energy resources from Black Hills Energy for up to 100% of their electric energy needs.
As proposed, customers would be able to enter into contracts with Black Hills Energy to purchase renewable energy for periods of five to 25 years. Through the proposed Renewable Ready Program and its utility-scale generation facilities, Black Hills Energy’s customers would be able to purchase renewable energy at a cost substantially lower than if they chose to install and maintain renewable energy systems constructed onsite at their business locations.
“We are excited to provide new energy solutions for our customers and to help meet their renewable energy objectives,” said Linn Evans, president and chief operating officer of Black Hills. “The Renewable Ready program provides our customers an excellent choice for the long-term delivery of cost-effective, utility-scale renewable energy.”
In connection with the Renewable Ready Program, Black Hills Energy requested approval from the WPSC to construct a new $57 million wind generation project near Cheyenne, Wyoming. If approved, the 40-MW Corriedale Wind Energy Project would be jointly owned by Black Hills Energy’s electric utility subsidiaries in South Dakota and Wyoming. The project would be largely constructed and placed in service during 2020. The $57 million capital investment for the project is not included in the company’s previously disclosed five-year capital investment forecast.
This project would be additive to Black Hills’ existing renewable electric generation resources. Black Hills’ utility and power generation subsidiaries have constructed, own and operate 89 megawatts of wind generation facilities which serve its utility customers in Colorado. Another 60-megawatt wind project in Colorado is expected to be in service by the end of 2019.
Filed Under: News, Policy, Projects
