Puget Sound Energy, Avangrid Renewables reach power purchase agreement for 200 MW Oregon wind farm

Under the terms of a new power purchase agreement, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Avangrid Renewables will build and make use of the 200 MW Golden Hills Wind Farm in Sherman County, Ore.

“The Golden Hills Wind Farm builds upon our strong track record of successful renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest,” Alejandro de Hoz, president and CEO of Avangrid Renewables, said. “We are proud to continue to lead the region’s clean energy transition and provide long-term economic opportunities in rural communities.”

The 13th Avangrid Renewables project in the Pacific Northwest, the farm should supply enough energy to power more than 60,000 homes annually. It should be in operation by late 2021.

“We are pleased to partner with Avangrid Renewables to continue to build on our history of championing renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest,” David Mills, PSE senior vice president and Chief Strategy Officer, said. “This new wind project will enable us to continue to provide clean, reliable electric service to all of our customers.”

For PSE, the project will also help the company to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase capacity during the high-draw winter months. Golden Hills will supplement PSE’s committed energy mix, which has involved investing in more wind energy. With this addition, that wind fleet will reach more than 1,150 MW.

The companies estimate some 250 temporary construction jobs should stem from the project, with approximately 12 full-time positions to follow once the facility becomes operational. Golden Hills should also generate more than $220 million in landowner payments and local taxes over its lifetime.