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APS to buy power from Arizona’s largest wind project

Arizona’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service Co., has agreed a long-term deal to buy power from a 99-megawatt wind farm being planned for Coconino County.

APS agreed to buy 100% of the output from the Perrin Ranch Wind Energy Center, being developed by Florida-based developers NextEra Energy Rsources 13 miles north of Williams.

When complete, the wind farm is expected to be Arizona’s largest.

The facility will comprise 62 wind turbines, generating enough electricity when at full capacity to supply 25,000 homes.

“Perrin Ranch is ideally suited for our first Arizona-based wind project. It is particularly important for northern Arizona and our company,” said APS President and Chief Operating Officer Don Robinson. “We continue to seek renewable energy projects that provide the best value for our customers.”

Permits

The power purchase agreement still requires the green light from the Arizona Corporation Commission, while the wind farm itself is yet to complete its permit process.

Hopes are the project will see construction starting in the second half of 2011, with commercial operations expected in 2012.

APS, which serves more than 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties, said the renewable energy would help it meet Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard.

“We are thrilled to add APS to our growing list of customers and appreciate their support of emission-free, renewable energy,” said Mitch Davidson, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources.

“The Perrin Ranch Wind Energy Center will be our first wind project in Arizona. This project will not only create emission-free energy; it will also bring tremendous economic benefits to the region.”