High Country Energy has reached an important project milestone! One of our two interconnection requests, G852, has entered the final stage of the Midwest Independent System Operator’s (MISO) study process, known as the Definitive Planning Phase (DPP). This is the final review stage before connection to the electrical transmission system is granted, and will result in an estimate of the scope and cost of network upgrades as well as an interconnection agreement with MISO.

G852 was originally placed in the second study phase, known as SPA. National Wind, working with it’s transmission consultant, successfully petitioned MISO that G852 should rightfully be placed in the more advanced DPP phase. This represents a significant schedule improvement to the previous study timeline for G852, making this interconnect an asset of significantly enhanced value in the transmission-constrained electricity marketplace.

As a result of this acceleration, the G852 interconnect could be delivering electricity from High Country Energy’s South Footprint by 2011. National Wind believes this development will stimulate interest from a number of potential utility partners looking for wind energy projects in the 2011 timeframe.

Local founder of High Country Energy and board member, Eric Lee, believes this development will help boost strong community support for the project, which will benefit overall project success.

“Most landowners, including myself, have heard of the difficulties with Minnesota wind projects getting connected to the grid,” said Lee. “People say this is what really delays projects, but High Country Energy has just taken a giant step forward in that regard.”

High Country Energy’s second interconnection request, G796, is also moving through the study process with an estimated operational date of 2013. Combined, these two interconnection opportunities have the ability to carry 450+ MW of wind capacity across their lines, enough electricity to power nearly 120,000 homes.

Read more stories from the Summer 2009 newsletter