Duke Energy Indiana to Purchase Wind Energy from Orion Energy

Energy Resource, August 30, 2006

ENERGY RESOURCE-30 August 2006-Duke Energy Indiana to Purchase Wind Energy from Orion Energy(C)2006 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

Duke Energy Indiana will purchase up to 100 megawatts of wind-generated electricity from an Orion Energy wind farm under development in Benton County, Ind., as part of an agreement announced today.

The 20-year agreement, the first significant, long-term purchase of wind power in Indiana, is the result of a request for proposals issued for green energy resources by Duke Energy Indiana, then PSI Energy, in late 2005. Pending regulatory approval, Duke Energy Indiana will begin purchasing the power in 2007.

Orion Energy, an independent developer of wind projects headquartered in Oakland, Calif., began developing the Benton County project on approximately 10,000 acres in late 2003. Located in York and Richland townships, the project is expected to go online by late 2007.

"Clean, 'zero emissions' wind-generated energy will be a good addition to our resource portfolio," said Duke Energy Indiana President Kay Pashos. "This project will also boost the local economy in an area where conditions make wind power possible. It's consistent with the state's new strategic energy plan that encourages innovative 'homegrown' ways to generate power within the state."

"Duke Energy's announcement is right in line with our new state energy plan to maximize Indiana's wind energy potential," added Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. "This is a small but significant part of Indiana's long-term plan to find alternative sources of energy."

Specific terms of the agreement are confidential. Duke Energy Indiana has filed for approval of the purchase power agreement with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

"We are very pleased to be working with Duke Energy to bring the first utility-scale wind energy project to Indiana," said Reid Buckley, Orion Energy vice president for development. "We value their strong commitment and leadership in tapping into the state's potential to supply clean, renewable energy. Orion is also very appreciative of all the support we've received from local farming families and officials in Benton and Newton counties in the development of this project."

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