Prairie Public Broadcasting

Wind power continues to explode in ND BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The state Public Service Commission says wind power is growing rapidly in North Dakota.

The PSC says wind projects -- on-line, under construction or proposed -- account for nearly 1400 megawatts of electric generation. And the Commission says there's more to come

"I think it goes to show some of our worst wind resources are better than most of the wind resources in the rest of the country," said Commissioner Tony Clark. "You look at the southeastern states, and one of the reasons they've been opposed to a national renewable standard is they don't have anything anywhere that approaches what we have here."

Commissioners also credit the federal credit on wind power, as well as state incentives.

"The investment tax credit (on wind power ownership) has value to companies like Otter Tailand Basin, who pay income tax," said Commissioner Kevin Cramer. "You're seeing that incentive pay off in investment. That's good for the companies, the ratepayers and the state of North Dakota."

Clark says while Florida-based FPL Energy has been a major player in North Dakota wind power, he's glad to see local companies getting involved.

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