200 MW Wind Farm Signs PPA with Detroit Edison

by Bruce Goodman 

The Detroit Edison Company has filed for ex parte approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) of its 200 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Gratiot County Wind LLC.  The contract includes an option for Detroit Edison to purchase either a 59.2 MW or a 89.6 MW share of the project.  The twenty year PPA, with pricing of $94.43/MWh, is the result of the 2009 RFP process which had 35 initial proposals, later narrowed to seven potential suppliers.  (The MPSC has now approved recently submitted PPAs for a total of 20.2 MW with WM Renewable Energy and L’Anse Warden Renewable Energy.)  If the PPA is not approved by October 15 it may be terminated.  Detroit Edison’s option to purchase expires December 17, 2010.