Tours of wind power project offered

By Donna M. Perry, Staff Writer
Published: Oct 15, 2009 5:21 am

KIBBY TOWNSHIP — TransCanada Corp. will hold a grand opening celebration of its Kibby Wind Power Project for invited guests only on Friday.

However, there will be a chance for members of the public to get a tour as well at another time, project spokesman Tobey Williamson said Wednesday.

To set up a tour of the site, people may call 1-877-943-3367.

Nearly half of the project's 44 wind turbines are now operational, providing clean energy to the New England power grid, according to a news release.

The $320 million, 132 megawatt Kibby Wind Power Project is the largest wind power development in New England, according to the company.

It is providing renewable electricity for the equivalent of 50,000 average-sized Maine homes, a release stated.

TransCanada plans to have half of the 44 turbines in service this year, with the remaining turbines going on line in 2010.

TransCanada has spent more than $75 million in U.S. dollars on materials, labor and services in Maine, with nearly $6 million spent in Franklin County, the release states. The project has also supported approximately 300 construction jobs, 90 percent of which have gone to Maine residents. Eight people, mostly from Franklin County, now have full-time jobs maintaining the turbines and overseeing local operations, the release stated.

dperry@sunjournal.com