Dairyland Power Invests in Minnesota Wind Farm Renewable Energy From the New Wind Farm Will Power 2,200 Homes LA CROSSE, Wis., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Dairyland Power Cooperative is expanding its renewable energy program with participation in the G. McNeilus Wind Farm, located in Adams, Minn. A site dedication for the wind farm was conducted today, with Minnesota state and local officials on hand to celebrate the new source of renewable energy for Dairyland's member cooperatives. Dairyland is purchasing the electrical output of five turbines at the wind farm from G. McNeilus Wind Energy. Together, the turbines will generate 7.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy for consumers in the Dairyland system. This is the amount of electricity required by approximately 2,200 residential homes. Dairyland Power Cooperative President and CEO William Berg was in attendance at the dedication to "flip the switch" on one of the turbines and officially begin operation of the renewable energy facility. Berg noted, "Dairyland's mission is to 'provide competitively priced energy and services to our customers and maximum value to our owners, consistent with the wise use of resources.' As part of our renewable energy program, this new wind farm exemplifies Dairyland's active commitment to that standard." This latest project will add to Dairyland's existing wind power portfolio, which includes partnership for energy output of a wind turbine farm in Chandler, Minn. In addition, Dairyland has recently contracted for several other renewable energy projects -- fueled by dairy and swine manure and landfill waste -- as part of its proactive approach to providing clean, efficient electricity to its members. "Dairyland works hard to be ahead of the curve with the amount and variety of renewable energy provided to our members," said Dairyland Director of Planning Services Neil Kennebeck. "As planners, it has been a very exciting year as we continue to bring more of the best 'green' energy options into our generation mix." The wind farm has one particularly uplifting element. Funds from the sale of one of the Dairyland turbines will be used by G. McNeilus Wind Energy to build and support an orphanage for blind children in India. Within the orphanage will be a school, taking children from kindergarten through junior college. "We are all gratified that this business arrangement will benefit these children, who currently are in dire circumstances. It is my mission to see that this renewable energy program will also give a renewed chance for a better life for the children, who have been truly on their own in every sense," said Garwin McNeilus. With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland provides wholesale electricity to 25 member distribution cooperatives and 20 municipal utilities. Dairyland's service area encompasses 62 counties in five states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan). DATASOURCE: Dairyland Power Cooperative CONTACT: Deb Mirasola, +1-608-787-1378, or Katie Thomson, +1-608-787-1323, both of Dairyland Power Cooperative

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