The answer is blowing in the wind

Posted 9/16/08 (Tue)

As speculation in the crude oil market continues to drive up gasoline prices, American citizens aren’t the only ones seeking answers to high fuel costs. Power companies are now stepping forward to find alternative sources of electricity, and Verendrye Electric Cooperative in Velva is one of those at the forefront. According to VEC General Manager Bruce Carlson, Basin Electric is set to build the largest cooperative owned and operated wind project in the United States. PrairieWinds ND 1 will be located 15 miles south of Minot and consist of 77 turbines generating 115.5 megawatts of energy. It will combine forces with the Minot Wind II site, 14 miles south of Minot, which consists of three turbines producing 4.5 megawatts of electricity. The new project carries an estimated cost of $240 million and is expected to be complete in late 2009 or early 2010.