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PG&E Corporation Breaks Ground On The Largest Wind Generating Facility In The Eastern U.S.

04/14/2000
Company Also Announces Pure Wind™ Initiative

MADISON, NY- PG&E Corporation's (NYSE: PCG) National Energy Group today broke ground for its Madison Windpower Project, the largest wind generating facility in the Eastern U.S. The seven-turbine, 11.5-megawatt project is slated to be operational by September 2000.

The Company also announced today that it is offering partners the opportunity to share in the environmental benefits of the Madison project and demonstrate their commitment to supporting new, clean renewable sources of electricity. The innovative initiative, known as Pure Wind, enables partners -- such as large industrial, commercial, retail, institutional, and "green" energy marketing companies -- to purchase Pure Wind certificates that represent the air emissions avoided images/news/newsegawatt-hour of wind-generated power.

In an average wind year, Madison Windpower will save 12,000 tons of CO2, 65 tons of SO2, animages/news/newsf NOx, compared with the average emissions from other generating facilities in New York state. These pollutants contribute to global climate change, smog, and other air quality problems.

"The comparative air quality benefits associated with wind power are dramatic," said PG&E Corporation Chairman, CEO, and President Robert D. Glynn, Jr. "We believe other environmentally conscious organizations will want to show their support for projects like Madison. The Pure Wind initiative gives them that opportunity and, through the certificates, allows them to 'own' a stake in the environmental benefits Madison will deliver. PG&E Corporation is proud to be promoting this innovative program and this project that will advance the market for environmentally preferred generation."

"Wind energy has been the fastest growing source of energy in the world during the past decade, and now represents a major economic opportunity for the United States," said Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson. "With the advent of electricity competition, New York consumers can shop around for the best supplier and they can choose to contribute to a cleaner environment by purchasing power generated at renewable energy facilities such as the PG&E Madison Windpower facility."

To further the process of bringing green power to New York state, the Madison Windpower Project was awarded a research and development contract by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The project has also enjoyed widespread support from leading environmental organizations including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). NRDC President John Adams said, "Madison Windpower is a tangible result of the advocacy efforts of the members of NRDC who laid the groundwork for economically viable renewaimages/news/newsprojects."

When construction is complete in September, Madison Windpower's seven Vestas V-66 turbines will have the capacity to generate 11.5 megawatts of electricity. In an average year, that equates to over 24 million kilowatt-hours of emission-free electricity. Madison Windpower will connect to the Northeast power grid through the New York State Electric & Gas transmission system and the New York Independent System Operator (ISO).

PG&E Corporation with 1999 operating revenues of nearly $21 billion and operations in 27 states, markets energy services and products throughout North America through its National Energy Group. The Corporation has ownership and management interests in more than 30 power plants and has one of the largest energy trading and risk management programs in North America.

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