Bluestem Energy Solutions and Southern Public Power District introduce a newly operating
5.64 MW wind project in Franklin County, Nebraska.
Franklin County, Nebraska— 8/29/2022—Bluestem Energy Solutions, in partnership with Southern Public Power District, has completed a two-turbine wind project in northern Franklin County, Nebraska. Constructed by Boyd Jones Construction, the wind project is located at the intersection of state highways NE-4 and NE-10, west of Upland, Nebraska.
The two 2.82-megawatt GE wind turbines are interconnected to Southern Public Power District’s 69kV sub-transmission line. The wind facility will produce enough electricity to power approximately 2,000 homes annually, and 100% of the power will be used locally by the customers of Southern Public Power District.
“We are extremely excited that the Bluestem Franklin County Wind Project is finally coming to a completion,” said Neal Niedfeldt, CEO of Southern Public Power District. “Southern Public Power District’s partnership with Bluestem Energy Solutions has been and will continue to be a great advantage for our customers as we work to continue to provide more carbon-free resources to our grid.”
The multimillion-dollar construction project will contribute over $3 million to the county via property tax revenue, construction, landowner payments, and ongoing operations and maintenance activities over the course of the project.
The wind project offers Southern Public Power District the opportunity to have more control of their generation mix, as well as creating local economic development in the service territory through the process. The renewable energy generated by the wind turbines can be used to meet the needs of current customers and to help recruit new industry.
Southern Public Power District can expect price reliability from the new project. “Bluestem is able to offer guaranteed pricing to its customers for the energy it produces. Southern Public Power District knows the price it will pay for this renewable energy on day one and in year twenty-five,” said Matt Robinette, Bluestem’s Vice President of Development. “The ability for Southern to lock in their rates on a small percent of their total wholesale energy purchases acts as a hedge against future risks in a quickly evolving utility industry.”
“Reliability and affordability for our customers continue to be our number one priority,” said Niedfeldt. “Projects like this help to ensure both for current and future generations.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Bluestem Energy Solutions is a developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy assets. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Bluestem has been developing and operating renewable energy solutions throughout the country since 2012.
Southern Public Power District is a Nebraskan electric distribution system providing service over approximately 7,000 miles of energized lines to more than 27,000 electric meters in Adams, Franklin, Hall, Hamilton, Kearney, Merrick and Phelps Counties.