CPA expects a contract to be signed with the wind power provider in January, and that the project will be operational next June. Kaul noted that CPA will contract for 2 megawatts of new wind power if enough customers sign up for the program. Some controversy has developed around the proposed program because the power to be purchased will come from wind projects that were mandated by the Minnesota legislature in exchange for approval of additional on-site waste storage at NSP's Prairie Island nuclear plant. Thus, no net additions of renewable resources would result from the UPA green pricing program. Environmental organizations that have criticized some aspects of the UPA proposal include the Clean Water Action Alliance, the Izaak Walton League, and Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Consumers sign up for one or more years.
The total number of megawatts to be developed will be decided after a subscription program begins in June 1997 following Public Utility Commission approval of the proposed surcharge. Holy Cross reports that it will begin marketing a second 750-kW block of wind power early next year and an additional 1 MW next summer. The power is purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration. In total, about 90,000 customers of the Minnkota-associated systems are eligible to participate. The green power product is a mix of small hydro and wind energy.