February 29, 2012 – SaskPower has signed an agreement with Windlectric Inc. (a subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.) to build an approximately 177MW wind power facility near Chaplin, Sask.

Algonquin’s project was selected from 26 proposals from 15 different suppliers who answered SaskPower’s call for major wind projects through its Green Options Plan in 2009. An external fairness consultant observed and reported on the selection process.

“Through the Green Options Plan and the Green Options Partners Program, SaskPower is more than doubling the province’s available wind power capacity,” said Rob Norris, minister responsible for SaskPower.

As part of the agreement, SaskPower has signed a 25-year contract to purchase wind power generated at the facility upon completion.

“When the Algonquin project at Chaplin is brought into service, wind power will make up about 8.5% of SaskPower’s total generating capacity – among the highest percentages in the country,” said Robert Watson, president and CEO, SaskPower. “Renewable generation options, like wind, play a key role in our plans to meet the province’s increased need for electricity in a sustainable manner.”

Approximately 77 turbines will be constructed by Algonquin at the Chaplin site, providing enough electricity to power about 70,000 homes, it said. Algonquin will now move forward with securing the environmental approvals necessary to proceed to the construction phase, which is expected to begin in 2016. A planned in-service date is slatted for the end of that year.

In addition to the agreement with Algonquin, SaskPower has selected another 55MW of wind power under its Green Options Partners Program. SaskPower is currently working on the purchase agreements for these projects.