Empire buys wind energy

Twelve turbines at the Elk River wind project in Butler County, Kan., last week began supplying energy to Empire. About 10 percent of the utility's energy, or 550,000 megawatt-hours annually, eventually will be generated by 100 turbines, said Julie Maus, communications specialist.

Empire began exploring wind energy options last year and in December 2004 signed a 20-year contract with PPM Energy, owner of the Elk River project. Company officials would not disclose a purchase price.

The Joplin-based utility serves 157,000 customers in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Energy from Elk River is expected to meet the needs of about 42,000 homes.

“Adding wind energy is a very positive step for us toward achieving a balanced energy resource mix,” Maus said. “With natural gas prices at record levels right now, the timing of the project really couldn’t have been better.”

Switching to wind energy has given Empire some price stability, Maus said, and at the same time remains environmentally friendly.

Empire recently received certification from the Green-e Program of the Center for Resource Solutions, ensuring that its renewable energy meets environmental and consumer protection standards.