Minnesota Power Announces Second Wind Energy Project

Duluth, MN — Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, plans to expand its use of wind generated electricity through the long-term purchase of all of the energy and capacity from a 48 megawatt wind facility proposed to be built in central North Dakota. The Oliver Wind II Energy Center would be constructed, owned and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of FPL Energy. FPL Energy is a subsidiary of the FPL Group.

The Oliver Wind II Energy Center is to be located adjacent to the 50.6 megawatt (MW) Oliver Wind I Energy Center near Center, N.D. The Oliver Wind I Energy Center began commercial operation in December 2006, with Minnesota Power purchasing all of the output under a long-term agreement. The Oliver Wind II Energy Center is expected to be operational by the end of 2007 pending regulatory and other approvals.

The Oliver Wind II Energy Center is expected to be comprised of 32 wind turbines, built by General Electric, each able to generate 1.5 MW. The facility would be capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 homes, and this agreement brings Minnesota Power yet another step closer to reaching the State of Minnesota's 10 percent renewable energy objective by the year 2015.

"We look forward to working with FPL Energy once again on a wind energy facility," said ALLETE CEO Don Shippar. "This project is consistent with Minnesota Power's strategy of building a more diversified generation portfolio."

Minnesota Power provides electricity in a 26,000-square-mile electric service territory located in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power supplies retail electric service to 135,000 retail customers, wholesale electric service to 16 municipalities, and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States. More information can be found at: www.mnpower.com.

SOURCE: ALLETE