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.