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Edison Mission Group contact: Susan Olavarria
312-952-2817 (cell)
Arizona Public Service contact: Steven Gotfried
602-568-5067 (cell)
Edison International Subsidiary Selling Output to Arizona Public Service
WILLARD, N.M. – August 24, 2009– U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman joined state and local officials and community leaders today for a luncheon dedication of the High Lonesome Mesa wind energy project. All of the clean renewable energy produced at the wind project, which is owned and operated by Edison Mission Group, a subsidiary of Edison International (NYSE:EIX), is sold under long-term contract to Arizona Public Service.
"We're honored to have Senator Bingaman join us," said Edison International Chairman Ted Craver. "He has been a leader in Washington in promoting the development of clean, renewable energy, and his home state provides one of the nation's best locations for wind projects through both economic incentives and a good wind regime. We look forward to continuing to work with him on the urgent energy and environmental policy matters being debated in Congress."
“I am so pleased to participate in the dedication of Edison International’s High Lonesome Mesa wind project. Thanks to projects like this, New Mexico is leading the way in the area of renewable energy. I applaud Edison International for making this investment in our state,” said Senator Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Bingaman is developing bipartisan legislation in the Senate aimed at shifting the country toward a low-carbon economy through the increased use of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Located in Torrance County, N.M., about 90 miles southeast of Albuquerque, High Lonesome Mesa was developed by Edison Mission Group operating company Edison Mission Energy (EME) with Foresight Wind Energy and local co-development partner Karbon Zero. The project, which became operational on July 16, can generate 100 megawatts of electricity, enough to meet the needs of approximately 24,000 homes. Electricity at the site is generated by 40 wind turbines manufactured by Clipper Windpower.
"We're pleased to contribute to the local economy and provide a new clean energy source for this region," said Edison Mission Group CEO Ron Litzinger. "Wherever we operate we are committed to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental stewardship, and we are excited to come to Torrance County in that spirit."
“The climate-friendly energy provided by the High Lonesome project is part of APS’ growing renewable energy portfolio designed to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for our customers,” said Don Robinson, president and chief operating officer, Arizona Public Service. “With wind from New Mexico and solar from Arizona, our customers are able to take advantage of the best resources each state has to offer.”
“Foresight Wind Energy is extremely proud of the High Lonesome project, developed in concert with Edison Mission Group. We are particularly appreciative of the strong county and community support,” said Warren Byrne, Foresight president and CEO. “The project has provided an important economic stimulus for the region, and will help New Mexico meet its goals for renewable energy generation and rural economic development.”
High Lonesome Mesa is a $190 million project which supported 250 construction jobs over the past several months. The project will pay $24 million in taxes and fees to the local and state economies over the next 30 years.
Site manager is Jeremy Johnson, operations and maintenance manager. He oversees seven full-time operations and maintenance workers.
Edison Mission Group (EMG) companies comprise the seventh largest developer of wind energy projects in the U.S. with a current portfolio of 25 projects and 1,185 megawatts of capacity in nine states. This is EMG's second project in New Mexico -- the other, San Juan Mesa, is located near Elida, about 180 miles southeast of High Lonesome Mesa. That project was dedicated in 2006.
EMG is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and is a subsidiary of Edison International. Through its operating company, Edison Mission Energy, EMG manages the competitive power generation business of Edison International, an electric power generator and distributor, and an investor in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. APS has seen its renewable energy portfolio expand, growing from less than one megawatt in 2001 to more than 235 megawatts (MW) today. This is enough power to meet the needs of approximately 59,000 customers. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)
Foresight Wind Energy is a privately held company, founded in 2002, specializing in renewable energy development in the western U.S. With a portfolio of over 3,500 megawatts of wind projects under active development across the West, Foresight is an established regional leader. Foresight’s management team is made up of energy industry veterans with an average of over 20 years experience in wind and conventional power development, transmission, power marketing, permitting, community relations and utility management. Foresight entered into a comprehensive joint development agreement with Edison Mission Energy in 2007, under which High Lonesome Mesa was completed. Foresight is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with a development office in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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Senator Bingaman Helps Dedicate Torrance County Wind Project
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