Black Hills Energy Issues Request for Proposals for 50 Percent Interest in 29 MW Colorado Wind Project

Black Hills Corp. BKH utility subsidiary Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric today issued a request for proposals for 50 percent ownership in Black Hills Energy's 29 megawatt wind project, to be located in Huerfano County, Colo. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved the project on Aug. 12, 2011, allowing Black Hills Energy to construct and own 50 percent of the wind project and authorized the company to conduct a competitive solicitation for ownership of the other 50 percent of the project. "We are pleased that the Colorado PUC has approved this critical wind project as we move forward with the securing of the remaining permits and the RFP-based selection of the remaining 50 percent ownership interest," said Christopher Burke, vice president of Colorado utility operations. Currently, the 50 percent of the project subject to the RFP is owned by a wind developer and is subject to a Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement with Black Hills Energy. If Black Hills Energy determines that a new REPA with more favorable terms is available based on proposals gathered during the solicitation process, then a replacement REPA will be executed with the alternative investor no later than Jan. 1, 2012. The project, planned for completion in late 2012, will include 16 Vestas wind turbines and will serve Black Hills Energy's 94,000 customers in southern Colorado. It will create approximately 55 construction jobs for southern Colorado, as well as new and recurring tax revenues for Huerfano County.