Wind Energy

NV Energy Signs Contract for First Utility-Scale Wind Power Project in Nevada

The 150-megawatt Spring Valley Wind Farm would be Nevada’s first major wind power project and is expected to be generating electricity by late 2011. The project would create more than 150 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 10 permanent positions.

Terms of the power purchase agreement, which is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, were not disclosed.

NV Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Yackira said the agreement with Pattern Energy is an important step in the company’s efforts to diversify its renewable energy portfolio. “We’re pleased to add more clean renewable energy for our customers, and this project is a good example of developing renewable energy resources in remote parts of our state.”

NV Energy currently has nearly 1,000 megawatts of geothermal, solar, biomass, hydro, waste-heat recovery and wind energy under contract or in the project development stage.

“Pattern is very excited to have executed this groundbreaking agreement with NV Energy,” said Pattern Energy Chief Executive Officer Mike Garland. “We look forward to building the first utility-scale wind project in the state and providing jobs and renewable energy to the citizens of Nevada.”

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, NV Energy, Inc. is a holding company with principal subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, doing business as NV Energy. Serving a combined 54,500-square-mile service territory, NV Energy provides a wide range of energy services and products to approximately 2.4 million citizens of Nevada and nearly 40 million tourists annually.

Pattern Energy Group LP is an independent energy company that develops, constructs, owns and operates renewable energy and transmission assets across North America and parts of Latin America. Pattern is currently constructing a 101.3MW project in Northern California. Pattern’s development pipeline exceeds 4,000 MW of wind power in various states and four countries, in addition to several power transmission and natural gas projects. Pattern’s 80-person staff has developed, financed, and placed into operation more than 2,000 MW of wind power.

www.nvenergy.com