HORIZON NEWS: Horizon Wind Energy Named Successful Bidder by Idaho Power for Oregon Wind Project and Begins Construction of the Twin Groves Wind Farm in Illinois

Boise, Idaho - Idaho Power has named Horizon Wind Energy as the successful bidder for the development of a wind generation project in Oregon identified in the company’s 2004 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).  The 66 megawatt (MW) project will be built in Union County, Oregon, near the community of North Powder and is expected to be on line no later than the end of 2007.

Idaho Power initially issued the RFP in January 2005. "This project has all the key elements to be successful:  a vigorous, year-round wind resource, ready access to Idaho Power's existing transmission grid, and a committed customer," said Horizon Wind Energy Chief Executive Officer Alec Dreyer. “We’re delighted that our project was selected as a source for new, clean energy for Idaho Power and its customers."

The project will connect to Idaho Power Company's 230kV line that runs from La Grande, Oregon to Brownlee in Idaho and will serve the growing needs of Idaho Power's customers. The projectwill belocated on private lands used primarily for cattle grazing. Horizon developed this project from inception over the past 4 years and has over 30,000 acres under option with the potential for 300-400MW in the area.

“Idaho Power's recent announcement to purchase wind energy generated in Union County is fantastic news. This project will significantly impact the economic development in our county while creating clean energy,” John Lamoreau, Union County Commissioner, recently stated.

Twin Groves Construction Has Begun

Bloomington, Illinois -  Horizon Wind Energy announced today that construction of the Twin Groves Wind Farm (formerly called Arrowsmith) has begun. The first phase of Twin Groves is expected to be commercially operational in the first quarter of 2007.

Located in McLean County, approximately 20 miles east of Bloomington, IL, the Twin Groves project is named after several well-known tree groves in McLean County.  Twin Groves brings to life a new type of grove where two prominent rows of wind turbines will create clean, renewable energy.

With a total of 240 wind turbines planned to generate 400 megawatts, the Twin Groves Wind Farm is estimated to provide enough power for 120,000 homes. The first phase of Twin Groves is expected to be 200 megawatts (MW), using 120 1.65 MW Vestas V82 turbine generators.

"The McLean County community has welcomed this project, and we thank the citizens, as well as local and state authorities, for their enthusiasm for clean, renewable, locally produced wind energy,” said Horizon Wind Energy CEO, Alec Dreyer.

The first phase of the project will support the local economy through lease payments to about 60 landowners.  The construction of the wind farm will significantly increase property tax revenues collected by McLean County, directly benefiting local schools, hospital districts, fire districts, and county government. In addition, construction will create up to 250 jobs at the peak of construction. The entire project spans approximately 22,000 acres; however, only 150 to 200 acres (1%) will be taken out of crop production for the turbines, roads, operations facility, and substation. Landowners will continue using the remainder of the land for pastures, farming, and leisure activities.

Horizon Wind Energy, formerly Zilkha Renewable Energy, develops, constructs, owns, and operates wind farms throughout the United States. Horizon-developed wind farms operate in New York, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma, and the company has projects under construction in Washington, Texas and Illinois, Horizon Wind Energy is owned by Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm. More information is available at www.horizonwind.com.

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