Idaho utility wants wind power from Gore Hill project

Idaho Power Co. intends to purchase the power generated by a proposed wind energy facility west of Great Falls.

The company is seeking approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to enter into an agreement with United Materials of Great Falls.

By SONJA LEE
Tribune Staff Writer

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040306/localnews/25575.html

Bob McIntyre, chairman of the board at United Materials, and Exergy Development Group of Missoula, which will construct the nine-megawatt facility, are working with Cascade County to build six, 326-foot-tall wind turbines near the United Materials sand and gravel mining operation. Commissioners on Tuesday will vote on a commercial development permit for the project.

Cascade County Commission Chairwoman Peggy Beltrone said deregulation was intended to open a new generation of possibilities to Montana.

"It is an ironic consequence of our energy deregulation debacle that the first utility-grade wind power produced in Montana will be enjoyed by Idaho consumers," she said. "Our bankrupt utility and the PSC are sitting on the sidelines."

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comments on the proposed energy sales agreement between Idaho Power Co. and United Materials. If approved, the 20-year contract would be the second wind energy agreement by Idaho Power, said company spokesman Dennis Lopez.

The facility would provide power to between 4,000 and 4,500 homes, Lopez said.

Idaho Power would pay United Materials a seasonal rate for the power.

Idaho Power is Idaho’s largest electric utility and has about 395,000 customers in Idaho and Oregon.

NorthWestern Energy has agreed to allow Idaho Power and United Materials to use its transmission lines to deliver the power.

McIntyre said construction of the project should begin early in the summer. But the start date is dependent on federal energy legislation, which includes production tax credits for renewable energy projects, he said.

"Cascade County government has aggressively worked with wind power industry developers to site a wind power project in our county," Beltrone said. "We are thankful that our two-year marketing effort has helped add this project to our economy regardless of who purchases the power."

Lee can be reached by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (406) 791-1471 or (800) 438-6600.

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Opposition to turbines ‘very, very light’

By SONJA LEE
Tribune Staff Writer

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20040306/localnews/25579.html

Cascade County commissioners on Tuesday will decide whether a wind power project, including six, 326-foot-tall wind turbines west of Great Falls, can be built.

The Cascade County Planning Board held a public hearing two weeks ago and unanimously approved the project. About 25 people attended the hearing — most in support of the project.

"Opposition was very, very light," said Cascade County Planning Director John Nerud.

Bob McIntyre, chairman of the board at United Materials, requested the commercial development permit to build the turbines near the United Materials sand and gravel mining operation. The turbines have three rotor blades with a diameter of about 175 feet.

Exergy Development Group of Missoula, operated by James Carkulis, will construct the facility.

Idaho Power Co. plans to buy the power generated. A small substation also will be part of the project.

The rotors are twice as tall as the Milwaukee Road Station tower in Great Falls, and could be visible from some areas of Great Falls.

The facility won’t generate a lot of noise, according to planners.

The Federal Aviation Administration approved the project in September. Because the facility is about three miles northwest of the Great Falls International Airport, FAA approval is required.

A bird study done by APEXEnvironmental of Belgrade also shows a minimum risk level.

The turbines will be about a half-mile away from the nearest residence. Property owner Scotty Zion initially raised some concerns about the project. But McIntyre has agreed to work with Zion so the turbines to not interrupt Zion’s views.

In the last two years, the county created electronic maps with wind data, transmission lines, bird patterns and other geographic information. Cascade County officials have worked to bring wind power projects to the area.

By Tuesday, the county expects to have property tax impact statements for the project, showing how much the turbines will contribute to the county tax base.

"I think it’s good business," said Commissioner Tom Stelling.