On Tenth Anniversary of Montana’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, Invenergy Celebrates Clean Energy Success of Wheatland County’s Judith Gap Wind Farm
CHICAGO, IL (June 10, 2015) – In the ten years since its Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”)was signed into law, Montana has become a clean energy success story. As wind projects suchas Invenergy’s Judith Gap Wind Farm in Wheatland County generate low-cost, homegrownrenewable power, they’re also producing significant local tax revenue and spurring job creationin the state.
One of the nation’s top five states in wind energy resource, Montana has attractedapproximately $1 billion in wind industry investment over the past ten years and $16 millionannually toward the gross state product.*
Located near the towns of Judith Gap and Harlowton, approximately 100 miles northwest of thecity of Billings, the Judith Gap Wind Farm is a 135 MW power generation facility thatcommenced operation in 2006. The project has brought numerous economic benefits to its hostcommunity ever since, including:
Nearly $15 million in property tax payments to Wheatland County
Approximately $4 million in landowner payments
A community fund that has contributed to key local civic organizations
200 jobs during construction
A current staff of 11 operations and maintenance (O&M) employees, with a cumulative payroll of nearly $6 million
“We are very pleased that Invenergy chose to build a power generation facility in our county,”said Tom Bennett, Wheatland County Commissioner. “The project is a large investment in ourarea’s economic future, and its tax payments have been of great benefit to our schools, andtoward property tax stabilization. The wind farm’s community fund has helped tremendously aswell, enabling improvements to critical local facilities such as a community center and a fire hall.Invenergy is an excellent community partner and we’re happy to have them as our neighbor.”
“Wind power is a win-win for Montana, and we salute the state’s forward-thinking in attractingmore than 600 MW of installed capacity,” said Mick Baird, Vice President of Development atInvenergy. “We’re proud to be the owner and operator of one of the state’s largest wind powergeneration facilities, and we truly appreciate the tremendous support we’ve received over theyears for the Judith Gap Wind Farm. Invenergy takes seriously our commitment to our hostcommunity in Wheatland County, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership formany more years to come.”
* Source: SciGaia, Montana’s Renewable Portfolio–10 Years of Renewable Energy (http://tinyurl.com/mx6orq5)
About Invenergy
Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, own, and operate large-scale renewable andother clean energy generation and storage facilities in North America and Europe. Invenergy is committed to continued innovation in clean power solutions. Invenergy's home office is locatedin Chicago and it has regional development offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico,Japan, and Europe.
Invenergy and its affiliated companies have developed more than 9,000 MW of projects that arein operation, in construction, or under contract, including 75 wind, solar, and natural gas-fueledpower generation projects and energy storage facilities. For more information, please visitwww.invenergyllc.com.
Contact: Alissa Krinsky, Director of Communications312-582-1554 or akrinsky@invenergyllc.com