Wind Energy

Geronimo Wind Energy’s Prairie Rose Wind Farm receives site permit

This comes after a 15-month review of the wind turbines project’s cost effectiveness, value to ratepayers, and its environmental impact and benefits. Receiving these permits enables the Prairie Rose Wind Farm to move forward with construction. The PUC also approved a Certificate of Need for the Prairie Rose Transmission Line, which will start at the project in Rock County, Minnesota and carry the energy to the Split Rock substation in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, the company said.

"We are very pleased that the Prairie Rose Wind Farm has achieved this critical milestone and thank the members of the community who have shown such tremendous support for the project." said Blake Nixon, President of Geronimo Wind Energy. "We look forward to beginning construction and bringing substantial economic development to the host communities."

The Prairie Rose Wind Farm, a development of Geronimo Wind Energy, will consist of up to 125 wind turbines strategically spaced across approximately 35,000 acres in Rock County, MN. The project is scheduled to begin construction by the end of the year and achieve commercial operation by the end of 2012.

In June, Geronimo Wind Energy and Xcel Energy signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement for the energy to be generated at the Prairie Rose Wind Farm. The total infrastructure investment for the project is expected to be approximately $350 million, the company added.

Geronimo Wind Energy (Geronimo) is a utility-scale wind energy developer based in Edina, Minnesota. Having developed two operating wind farms in Minnesota, Geronimo is developing a large pipeline of wind projects in various stages of development throughout the Midwestern United States. Geronimo has a strategic partnership with Enel Green Power North America, giving it the credibility and capital strength necessary to deliver on projects for customers and communities.

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.

www.xcelenergy.com

www.geronimowind.com