The 66 megawatt (MW) project will be built in Union County, Ore., near the community of North Powder and is expected to be on line no later than the end of 2007.

“It has been a protracted process to select a successful bidder,” said Idaho Power Project Manager Tom Noll. “Much has happened since we initially issued this RFP, including the construction of nearly 200 MW of wind projects on the Snake River Plain, something no one could have foreseen when the RFP first was issued last year.

“In the end, we selected Horizon because of their professionalism, experience and the fact that, according to meteorological data, their project will provide power during the summer when Idaho Power’s customers need it most. This project is a good fit and helps balance our generation portfolio.”

According to Noll, Idaho Power and Horizon Wind Energy are now finalizing contract negotiations on the project.

"This project has all the key elements for a successful project:  a vigorous, year-round wind resource, ready access to Idaho Power's existing transmission grid, and a committed customer," said Horizon Wind Energy Chief Executive Officer Alec Dreyer. “We’re delighted that our project was selected as a source for new, clean energy for Idaho Power and its customers."

Idaho Power initially issued the RFP in January 2005, but a moratorium on wind projects in Idaho delayed the process. The wind RFP negotiations were restarted in September of last year. The moratorium was authorized by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to give utilities in Idaho an opportunity to study the impacts of a large number of wind projects that were submitted to the company under the Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act that requires utilities to purchase power from facilities that qualify under the act.

Idaho Power provides electrical service to over 464,000 customers including more than 18,000 in eastern Oregon.