What benefits will the project bring?

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project (CCSM Project) will have the wind turbines and electric infrastructure necessary to reliably and cost-effectively generate over 3,000 megawatts of clean, sustainable electricity. It is situated on land that has some of the best winds in the state and in the country. The project area has Class 6 and 7 winds, which are the highest wind classes. Final turbine models have yet to be selected, but each turbine is anticipated to provide 4 MW to 6 MW of nameplate capacity. The wind project is estimated to produce enough clean electricity to power approximately 1 million households, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 7 million to 11 million tons per year. The wind turbines will be constructed in two phases of about 1,500 MW each. Phase I consists of about 225 turbines, and Phase II consists of about 375 turbines.

In addition, this wind project will:

• Provide zero-fuel-cost, zero-emissions electricity.
• Support national and regional renewable energy goals, such as state-mandated Renewable Portfolio Standards and greenhouse-gas reduction targets.
• Capture and leverage natural resources wisely and responsibly.
• Create thousands of construction jobs and an estimated 114 permanent operations and maintenance jobs.
• Contribute millions in property taxes and sales and use taxes, among other economic benefits.