Published 02/26/2009
Johnson, VT – Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc. (VEC) has reached agreement with First Wind on behalf of its subsidiary, Vermont Wind, LLC, to buy 50 percent of the power and the renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the 40 megawatt Sheffield Wind project for the next 20 years.

 “Our Co-op members have given VEC a clear message that we need to ensure that we can secure stable, long-term contracts along with carbon-free, low emission and local generation,” said Dave Hallquist, CEO. “This contract to purchase power from a local wind project meets all the requirements.” “VEC is impressed with the work that First Wind has done in putting together this highly important source of renewable energy,” added Hallquist. 

 “We’re excited to be able to deliver clean renewable power made in Vermont to the citizens of Vermont – including the Northeast Kingdom.  Combined with our agreement with Burlington Electric, we’ve reached agreements to sell 90 percent of the power from the Sheffield project to local utilities.  At a time of economic uncertainty, we’re working with these utilities to provide a stably priced source of power,” said First Wind Vice President for Northeast Development, Matt Kearns.  “This is an important step forward for the project.”  

The project was granted a Certificate of Public Good by the Public Service Board in 2007.  The Vermont Supreme Court affirmed the PSB’s decision earlier this month. 

“As a Barton resident whose company has already directly benefitted from the Sheffield Wind Project, I look forward to seeing construction begin as soon as possible,” said Jason Sicard, President of JP Sicard, Inc., in Barton.  “In these difficult times, anything we can do to bring in jobs and economic development is a good thing for the Northeast Kingdom.” 

About VEC
Vermont Electric Cooperative, Inc., a member-owned not-for-profit Cooperative founded in 1938, is Vermont’s third largest electric utility, serving approximately 34,000 members in rural Vermont.

About First Wind

First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership and operation of wind energy projects.  First Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts.  First Wind owns and operates two utility-scale wind projects in New England, including the 42 MW Mars Hill Wind project and the 57 MW Stetson Wind project, both in Maine.