More than 300 Hyde County residents gathered with city, county and state officials and representatives from Basin Electric Power Cooperative and FPL Energy to officially start operation of the South Dakota Wind Energy Center during dedication ceremonies. The wind farm is located 10 miles south of Highmore. It was constructed, and is owned and operated by FPL Energy, Juno Beach, Fla.
Governor Mike Rounds said developing wind energy is the right thing to do. "The wind farm here was a shared dream less than three months ago. Now it's a reality," he said. "We are taming the wind so that it produces electricity and benefits for all of us here, and many, many South Dakotans." »Full Story
Effective January 1, 2003, Dakota Energy customers who get a portion of their power from Prairie Winds will see a slight reduction in their rates. The rate, which had been an additional $3.00 per 100 kWh block will drop to $2.50 per 100 kWh block.
Prairie Winds energy comes from two wind turbines near Chamberlain, SD that were built by East River Electric and Basin Electric Power Cooperative last year. Approximately 700 customers take part throughout East River's service area in South Dakota and Minnesota. If you are interested in purchasing wind energy blocks from Prairie Winds please call Dakota Energy today.
from Cooperative Connections Magazine, December 2002