Enbridge and RES Americas complete $535M wind project

Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) and Renewable Energy Systems Americas (RES Americas) are celebrated the completion of Enbridge's Cedar Point Wind Project on Sept. 21, 2011 in Limon, Colo.

The 250 megawatt (MW) project will generate enough clean electricity to meet the needs of about 80,000 homes and avoid almost 783,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Power generated by the project will be purchased under a long term contract with the Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy.

"Wind energy is a key component of Enbridge's strategy to invest in renewable energy sources that complement our core operations, generate solid returns and stable cash flow, and benefit the environment," said Al Monaco, President, Gas Pipelines, Green Energy & International. "We are also pleased that this project has created near-term employment in Colorado, and has advanced the state's renewable energy policy objectives. The Cedar Point Wind Project is our first U.S. wind investment, an excellent addition to our rapidly growing renewable energy portfolio.

"We're delighted to once again partner with RES Americas, which developed and constructed Cedar Point," Monaco continued, "and to be here, ahead of schedule, to officially open the facility and mark the delivery of a new source of emissions-free electricity to the Colorado power grid."

To date, Enbridge's renewable and alternative energy portfolio includes interests in seven wind projects, three solar farms-including the 80 MW Sarnia Solar Project-one of the largest of its kind in the world, a geothermal plant, four waste heat recovery facilities and fuel cell technology. Together, these installations have the capacity to generate almost 860 MW of clean electricity, meet the needs of almost 270,000 homes, and an estimated 1.4 million tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions over the life of the project.

"RES Americas congratulates Xcel Energy on adding 250 megawatts of power to Colorado's clean energy future," said Susan Reilly, CEO of RES Americas. "This is an excellent example of the success of the Treasury Grant Program - wind projects like Cedar Point not only generate clean, renewable energy, they also create jobs, drive investment, and diversify our nation's energy portfolio. We've enjoyed working with Enbridge, Vestas, and the many other vendors and sub-contractors to make Cedar Point a success, and we look forward to working with other Colorado communities on future renewable energy projects."

TJ Deora, director of the Governor's Energy Office, said, "Thanks to the industry's tremendous advances in technology and Colorado's rich wind resources, electric customers benefit from this low cost resource. In addition, wind development is creating jobs, bolstering rural economic development and helping to mitigate the risk of potentially volatile conventional fuel costs. We are particularly pleased that Broomfield-based RES Americas developed and built the facility. The State of Colorado welcomes the project owner, Enbridge, to the growing number of renewable energy companies that are now such a vital part of our state's economy."

To celebrate its membership in the Limon community, Enbridge today announced a donation to the Limon School District. During the last year, Enbridge also has given donations to local first responders, the Limon Rodeo, Relay for Life and the Limon Child Development Center.

Enbridge looks forward to a long and mutually prosperous relationship with the residents of Limon and surrounding communities.
Cedar Point Wind Project at a glance:

  • Location: Limon, Colorado
  • Capacity Peak: About 250 MW
  • Annual Yield: About 875,000 MWh
  • Equivalent Homes Served: About 80,000
  • Purchase Price (100%): US $535 Million
  • Technology (turbines): Vestas V90 1.8 MW turbines
  • Construction: Fixed price, turnkey EPC contract
  • Energy Purchaser: Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo)(20 year
    agreement)
  • Interconnection: PSCo
  • Construction: Begin - 2010/Complete - September 2011
  • Jobs created: More than 365 jobs in the community during construction; up to 12 local, full-time
    operational jobs


Downloadable photographs and video clips are available at www.enbridge.com/cedarpointmedia