Xcel Energy to buy 250 megawatts from BP Wind Energy wind farm planned in Weld County

BP Wind Energy announced the agreement with Xcel’s Public Service Company of Colorado on Wednesday. It expects to start building the wind farm this summer about 20 miles north of New Raymer, east of the existing 300-megawatt Cedar Creek I wind farm.

It says 20 miles of new overhead transmission lines will bring electrical output generated by the new wind turbines to the power grid.

BP Wind Energy says it expects about 250 workers will be employed during construction of the wind farm, and about 12 to 14 people will monitor and maintain the facility once it is in full commercial operation.

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. Xcel Energy’s headquarters are located in Minneapolis.

www.xcelenergy.com