Harrison Township, MI – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) this week toured Exelon Wind’s Michigan Wind 2 site currently under construction in Minden City in northeast Sanilac County. Miller received an update on the construction progress and overview of the economic impact to the Thumb Region. MI Wind 2 will consist of 50 turbines capable of producing 90 megawatts and is expected to be placed into service by the end of 2011. Michigan Wind 2 site is one of Exelon Wind’s three development projects in Michigan. Harvest Wind I in Elkton and Michigan Wind 1 in Ulby are currently in operation. Once the wind project in Minden City is completed, the three wind projects will produce a total of 211.8 megawatts.

“This wind farm is providing our area with clean energy, and is doing so by engaging the local community. More than 80% of the labor being used comes from Michigan workers, and many of those individuals are supporting the surrounding towns and small businesses by staying in area Hotels, B&Bs, eating at restaurants, visiting local shops,” Miller said. “We are looking forward to the completion of this wind site this year.”

Joining Miller on the tour (as pictured) were Sanilac County Commissioner John Merriman, Commissioner Jamie Daws, Commissioner James Bowerman, Rep. Candice Miller, Treasurer Kathy Dorman, and Commissioner Gary Russell.

Wind turbine within MI Wind 2 site

In addition to Exelon Wind, the Thumb Region is expected to become one of the largest wind power regions in the nation. DTE will develop three wind farms; one located in Sanilac County and two in Huron County, and the project is expected to be a $225 million investment. DTE is planning to have these three wind farms operational by December 2012, which together will generate approximately 110 megawatts. Consumers Energy is currently planning their Cross Winds Energy Park located in Huron and Tuscola Counties. This wind project is expected to produce 350 megawatts and construction is planned to be conducted over two phases between the end of 2015 and 2017. ITC is working on a Thumb Loop Project consisting of 140 miles of double-circuit 345,000 volt lines and four new substations that will facilitate the transmission capability needed to move all the power generated by current and future wind farms being built in the Thumb Region, and is estimated to have a total economic impact of $721 million. The new system is currently planned for construction in stages, with the first segment, the western side of the loop from Tuscola County to Huron County, tentatively planned to enter service in late 2013. The remainder would be targeted for completion by 2015 in support of Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard target of roughly 10 percent renewable energy by 2015.
All of these companies expect to employ a majority of their labor from Michigan workers and will bring millions of dollars in economic activity to our communities.

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