Both companies were active with the Utility Wind Interest Group, and participated in the Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program, which evaluated various sites around the country for potential wind development. SPS began wind research in the 1970's. SPS operated and monitored performance of the turbines, then shared its experience and background data relative to wind generation in the Texas High Plains region. The company researched several wind generation sites, selecting one in northern Colorado, where we built our Ponnequin Wind Facility. Xcel Energy customers in Colorado and New Mexico have a rare opportunity to decide how the electricity they use for their homes and businesses is generated and to support the development of renewable energy in those states.
Customers decide how much wind energy they want to buy.
Because wind energy costs more than electricity from conventional sources such as coal or gas, customers pay a slightly higher price for it. The Ponnequin Wind Facility is the first and only commercial wind farm in Colorado. The wind farm currently has 44 turbines that can generate up to 30 MW of electricity. In addition, Xcel Energy purchases wind power for the Colorado program from a 33-turbine wind farm located near Peetz, CO, just south of the Nebraska border. Xcel Energy and its customers are fortunate to have a broad mix of generating options, which provide reliable, reasonably priced electric service in an environmentally sound manner.