Vote scheduled for potential wind farm

Austin Utilities and PNE Wind USA, Inc. officials are waiting to see where the wind takes them.

City Council members discussed a wind farm energy contract between the two entities Monday night at a work session, and a vote is scheduled for an Oct. 3 council meeting.

The energy contract would allow Austin Utilities to help PNE Wind flow energy from the wind farm into the “electrical grid,” according to Austin Utilities General Manager Mark Nibaur.

Although plans for a wind farm are not official, PNE Wind officials are hoping to construct a small farm 14 miles north of Austin’s city limits. Andre de Rosa, director of power marketing at PNE Wind, said the farm would consist of about 12 turbines and could offer a positive economic impact on the town. De Rosa said the state, county and city could see a return of more than $3 million in tax revenue from such a wind farm.

“The state of Minnesota has a specific tax amount it levies on wind farms,” de Rosa previously said. “That is money that is going to go into coffers of the state and the county. Everyone will get a little taste of that money.”

According to de Rosa, the wind farm would also create jobs. More than 200 construction workers would be needed to build the farm and maintenance crews would be necessary for upkeep after the turbines are up and running. PNE Wind officials are projecting the creation of at least eight full-time, well-paying jobs.

The project could benefit Austin Utilities financially, too. De Rosa said there are two utility companies looking to buy the power, and PNE Wind would likely pay Austin Utilities on an annual basis for their involvement in the farm.

The Austin Utilities Board is scheduled to vote on the wind energy contract Sept. 26. If it passes there, City Council will vote to approve the contract on Oct. 3.

Mower County

2025 Memorial Day Programs

LeRoy

Garden club stays active in LeRoy

Education

Pacelli honors Class of 2025 with commencement Friday night

Education

Photos: One last time through

Education

In Your Community: Mason’s present scholarships

Mower County

In Your Community: 4-H holds rabbit workshop

Mower County

In Your Community: 4-H Rabbit team claims top award

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Education

Education Briefs

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: May 12-19

News

Rebel softball team overpowered by FBA

Education

‘You guys are an incredible class’: SMEC graduates 32 in Thursday commencement

Law Enforcement

SIRT negotiators honored at state conference for role in July 2024 standoff

Business

Shoe Sensation uplifts local charity with donation during grand opening weekend festivities

Hayfield

$30K grant helps Hayfield update park

Mower County

The Cedar Summerstock Theatre returns to  Austin on June 12

Education

Grand Meadow students participate in MSHSL State Visual Art Show

Business

The Style Lounge Salon named to 2025 SALON TODAY 200 List

Mower County

In Your Community: Music Hall of Fame inductees honored

Education

Education briefs

News

Walz rebuked by Trump administration for comparing immigration agents to Gestapo

News

Voting rights advocates tout success of new law in getting formerly incarcerated people to the polls

News

Minnesota lawmakers fail to finish budget on time, head toward special session

News

A ‘last day’ arrives for Minnesota lawmakers that will be anything but a conclusion