Wind only started to enter the Northwest power mix in 1998 when Vansycle opened. More came on line in 1999 when the Foote Creek Rim facility in Wyoming began sending juice to the Northwest. Both plants are a boon for agricultural operators. Growing demand for wind's pollution-free power is turning the Northwest into one of the nation's most dynamic wind development regions. Both Washington and Montana are slated to gain their first wind plants in 2001.
Wind is the world's fastest growing energy source.
In the U.S. windpower is expected to double to 5,000 MW between 1999 and 2004. The price for electricity from a wind turbine is steady, while gas is unpredictable. Gas prices have doubled over the past year. And since wind plants are erected in under a year, they can make a substantial contribution toward easing the regional power crunch. An environmentally sound and cost-competitive energy source well capable of meeting regional energy shortfalls, windpower is blowing new life into rural economies.