Southern Power buys wind facility in Washington State

Southern Power acquired the 136-megawatt Skookumchuck Wind Facility in Washington State from Renewable Energy Systems.

The wind farm is located in Lewis and Thurston Counties in Washington State. It is Southern Power’s first wind facility in the state and 12th wind project in the United States.

“This project is a great addition to our renewable portfolio,” Southern Power President Bill Grantham said. “We continue to strive to develop clean, safe, reliable, and affordable wholesale energy resources for the benefit of our customers.”

Construction is underway and it is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2020. The electricity and associated renewable energy credits generated by the facility will be sold to Puget Sound Energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Southern Power, a subsidiary of the Southern Company, is the majority owner but the company has signed an agreement to sell a minority stake in the facility to TransAlta Corp.

Southern Power’s wind portfolio consists of more than 1,960 MW of wind generation. Including this new facility, Southern Power’s renewable portfolio includes 40 solar and wind facilities that are either operating or under construction. Those 40 wind and solar facilities generate some 3,190-MW of renewable energy. This project aligns with Southern Power’s overall business strategy of strengthening its business through acquisitions and long-term contracts with counterparties.