Legal challenge costs Wyoming wind project its utility PPA

US developer Wasatch Wind has postponed the completion of a 100MW project in Wyoming until 2013 due to legal appeals by an opposition group, which have forced it to terminate a power-purchase agreement (PPA) with the state’s largest electricity utility.

“We simply feel it’s best to allow the legal process to play out before proceeding with construction,” says Michelle Stevens, senior vice-president of communications at Wasatch. The affected 50MW Pioneer Wind Park 1 and nearby 50MW Pioneer Wind Park 2 are fully permitted, she says.

Stevens tells Recharge that Wasatch could not comply with contractual terms requiring Pioneer Wind Park 1 to begin delivering electricity to Rocky Mountain Power in October. Construction was due to begin this summer.

The Utah-based developer has prevailed in previous legal challenges by the…

Become a Recharge subscriber!

Or try our free trial.

Order Subscription

Already a member?

Login