High Country Energy has been in negotiations with a regional utility to co-develop and acquire a 100 to 150 megawatt phase of this wind development. Plans are in place to finalize a letter of intent before the end of February 2008.

The co-development of this phase is referred to as a “construction ready” sale of a project.

National Wind manages the development process of the project until construction begins. The utility will then acquire the project. The proceeds from the sale of this project will provide High Country Energy with substantial revenue earlier on in the process, unlike a Power Purchase Agreement with a utility.

“A project sale helps diversify the income stream, adds credibility to a project, making it more attractive to other utilities, while allowing for early cash flow,” says Pelstring.

“However, a sale is only one part of High Country Energy’s project portfolio. Landowners will benefit from several project phases, consisting of 100 to 150 megawatts each,” says Pelstring.

“We expect that most of these phases will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement with a utility, providing landowners with a financial return in the form of a “long-term annuity.” High Country Energy, therefore, will receive a majority of the development profits.”

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