Wind Power

Illinois Wind Power Project

Dominion announced in April 2008 that it plans to build a 300-megawatt wind generation facility in Central Illinois. The Prairie Fork Wind Farm would be composed of 150 to 200 turbines constructed across approximately 25,000 acres in Christian and Montgomery counties, about 25 miles southeast of Springfield. The company’s 1,158-megawatt coal-fired Kincaid Power Station is located just north of the Prairie Fork site.

Construction of Prairie Fork is expected to begin in 2010, subject to necessary permits, approvals and other work. Commercial operation could follow in 2011. (>> News release)

Indiana Wind Power Project

Dominion acquired a 50 percent interest in the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm from BP Alternative Energy Inc. in January 2008. The facility is in Benton County, Indiana, about 90 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

The Fowler Ridge facility is expected to be built in two phases and generate a total of 750 megawatts. Dominion and BP are partners for 650 megawatts, with BP retaining sole ownership of 100 megawatts. The first phase of approximately 222 turbines producing up to 400 megawatts is expected to be operating by the end of 2008. Construction of the second phase of 350 megawatts could begin as early as 2009. (>> News release )

West Virginia Wind Facility

Dominion entered a joint venture agreement with Shell WindEnergy Inc. in December 2006 to develop the first phase of a wind facility near Dominion’s Mt. Storm Power Station in Grant County, West Virginia. The facility, currently under construction, is expected to produce 164 megawatts of electricity -- enough for 41,000 homes.

The project consists of 82 wind turbines producing 2 megawatts each. The turbines are located on the Allegheny Front, which has an average elevation of 3,100 feet at the project site. The region around Dominion’s Mt. Storm Power Station has been identified as one of the best wind turbine locations on the East Coast.

In July 2007, Dominion and Shell WindEnergy Inc. announced plans for the second phase of the project.

The second phase — 50 turbines producing 100 megawatts, or enough electricity for 25,000 homes — will be developed adjacent to the existing site, and is expected to go into operation in 2008. This phase has received all necessary permits and approvals needed to proceed with construction.

The electricity generated by the wind turbines flows across power lines from Mount Storm Power Station.

Some of the electricity would also flow over a 500,000-volt transmission line that Dominion has proposed to increase the supply and reliability in Northern Virginia.

Electric demand in the region has grown by about 40 percent over the last decade and is projected to grow by another 8 percent by 2011.

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