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Sonoma County signs deal for Altamont wind power

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Sonoma Clean Power, the public agency that provides electricity for 88 percent of Sonoma County homes and businesses, has signed its first long-term in-state contract for wind power.

The 20-year deal with Golden Hills North Wind Energy Center will utilize power generated by wind turbines in the Altamont Pass area of Alameda County. The latest technology is far more efficient than previous systems, according to Geof Syphers, SCP’s CEO.

“Repowered wind facilities carry multiple benefits,” Syphers said. “One repowered modern wind turbine replaces 21 of the old style, they produce more energy, and reduce the risk to birds.”

The repowered project is expected to be operational by December 31, 2017 and produce enough electricity to power up to 46,000 Sonoma County homes.

Director of Power Services Deb Emerson said the deal adds further diversity to the agency’s suppliers of solar, geothermal, hydropower and wind. “It’s important to have a diversified power mix to support our load,” she said.

According to SCP figures, the agency has saved customers $62 million in bill savings since beginning service in May of 2014, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 48 percent relative to PG&E. The Agency’s default CleanStart service is 37% renewable, and its EverGreen service option is 100 percent locally produced renewable electricity.

Sonoma Clean Power is a not-for-profit pubic agency providing cleaner electricity at competitive rates to residential and commercial customers in all Sonoma County cities (with the exception of Healdsburg who has their own municipal utility) and the unincorporated areas.

 

 



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