What benefits will the project bring?

The Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project (CCSM Project) will have the wind turbines and electric infrastructure necessary to reliably and cost-effectively generate clean, sustainable electricity. It is situated on land that has some of the best winds in the state and in the country. The project area has Class 6 and 7 winds, which are the highest wind classes. Final turbine models have yet to be selected, but each turbine is anticipated to provide 4 MW to 7 MW of nameplate capacity for a total estimated capacity of 3,500 MW. The wind project is estimated to produce enough clean electricity to power approximately 1 million households, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 7 million to 11 million tons per year. The wind turbines will be constructed in two phases of about 1,800 MW each. Phase I consists of about 225 turbines, and Phase II consists of about 375 turbines.

In addition, this wind project will:

• Provide zero-fuel-cost, zero-emissions electricity.
• Support national and regional renewable energy goals, such as state-mandated Renewable Portfolio Standards and greenhouse-gas reduction targets.
• Capture and leverage natural resources wisely and responsibly.
• Create thousands of construction jobs and an estimated 114 permanent operations and maintenance jobs.
• Contribute millions in property taxes and sales and use taxes, among other economic benefits.