The Wind Point/Windy Flats project is one of the largest wind farms in the United States and – has generated new revenue, created jobs and stimulated local business activity while producing clean energy.

The 90 square miles (230 km²) wind farm spans 26 miles (42 km) along the Columbia River ridgeline offering upon completion a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) - enough clean electricity for over 250,000 households per year.

Construction of 400 of the 500 MW was completed by the end of 2009. Cannon Power Group, the project developer, constructed the 400 MW in two phases within 18 months -- Phase I (137 MW) and Phase II (262 MW). A third phase is planned for 2010 – find more phase details below.

The initial 400 MW represents an investment of over $1 billion.

California will benefit from the Windy Point/Windy Flats project which could help the state meet its renewable energy goals since two California off-takers have purchased all 400 MW of power.

Additionally, the project has provided more than 350 jobs over the past two years, plus creating many additional permanent administrative and operational positions.

Phase I: 137 MW was completed in May 2009 and sold in July 2009 for $385 million to the Tuolumne Wind Project Authority – a California joint powers agency formed by the Turlock Irrigation District and the Walnut Energy Center Authority.

Phase II: The Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) - a joint powers agency comprising of 11 municipal utilities and one irrigation district – has agreed to purchase 262 MW of power in October 2009. An affiliate of Cannon Power Group will be the project owner, subject to an option to purchase the project in favor of SCPPA after five years.