A wind farm project that has been on the shelf for several years may soon be built.
The Merricourt Wind Power Project was to be built near Ashley, in McIntosh County. The Public Service Commission had given the project siting approval in 2008. However, it was never built.
But now, the developer has filed a new siting application – and the PSC has scheduled a hearing on it.
Commissioners said some of the proposed wind power projects couldn’t find anyone to buy the power, so they weren’t built.
"Now there's a whole bunch more interest in wind power," said Commissioner Julie Fedorchak. "I think that's because the production tax credits are being phased out."
Fedorchak said companies proposing the wind farms want the full tax credit before it goes away.
"Sorta like last call on a Saturday night," said Commissioner Randy Christmann.
Otter Tail Power Company has filed for an “advanced determination of prudence” for the Merricourt Wind Farm – to purchase the power.
