The Alberta Utilities Commission on Dec. 30 approved a developer name change for a 69-MW wind project and an extension of a commission-imposed deadline for that project to be built.
Geilectric Inc. has had an approval to operate the Welsch Wind Power Project, consisting of a 69-MW wind farm and the Welsch Substation in the Pincher Creek area. Eolectric Development on Dec. 11 notified the commission that it had changed its name from Geilectric and filed an application requesting the transfer of the power plant approval and substation permit and license.
In addition, Eolectric requested the construction completion date for the wind farm and substation be amended to Dec. 31, 2015. Eolectric stated that the in-service date has been delayed on several occasions due to delays in the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement and South Foothills Transmission Project, which are required for the interconnection and system reliability of its project. Eolectric explained that the in-service date for these projects is planned for June 2015, therefore, the Welsch wind project has been delayed until then.
“Based upon the information provided, Eolectric has demonstrated that the requested time extension is of a minor nature, but necessary in order for Eolectric to complete the project,” the commission noted in the Dec. 30 approval.
The power project will consist of 17 Enercon E82-E3 3-MW turbines and nine Enercon E82-E2 2-MW turbines, with a total generating capacity of 69 MW.
The Eolectric contact is: Eolectric Development, Pascal Moreau, Project Director, phone (450) 928-2222.
