PSO gains approval for North Central Wind Energy project

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has reached a settlement agreement with the Public Utility Division Staff of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), OklahomaAttorney General's Office, customer groups and other parties on the Company's proposal to add 675 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to serve customers.  The settlement agreement seeks approval of terms for PSO's purchase of the North Central Energy Facilities.

PSO's proposed North Central Energy Facilities plan includes the Company's partial ownership in three Oklahoma wind generation facilities located in seven counties in north-central Oklahoma – Alfalfa, Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Kingfisher, Major, and Woods. The projects include a 999 MW wind facility being built north of Weatherford, a 287 MW wind facility being built southwest of Enid, and a 199 MW facility being built south of Alva.

The three wind farms represent a nearly US$2 billion investment in Oklahoma.  PSO's 45.5% ownership share of the 1,485 MW total project is projected to save PSO customers over US$1 billion, net of cost, during the time the wind farms are in service. The project is being developed by Invenergy. 

The settlement agreement is subject to final approval by regulators.