Sempra U.S. Gas & Power Announces Acquisition of Michigan Wind Project
Construction on 100-MW Wind Project to Begin Fall 2016
SAN DIEGO, July 22, 2016 - Sempra U.S. Gas Power today announced it has acquired the Apple Blossom wind project in Michigan from Geronimo Energy, LLC, a utility-scale wind and solar energy developer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
When the 100-megawatt (MW) Apple Blossom is completed, Sempra U.S. Gas Power, along with its affiliates and joint-venture partners, will have wind facilities in eight states totaling more than 1,300 MW of generating capacity.
Located in Huron County, Mich., the Apple Blossom wind farm will generate enough clean, renewable power for approximately 38,000 Michigan homes. Construction is expected to begin at the wind farm site in fall 2016.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to acquire, build and operate the Apple Blossom wind project in the state of Michigan as it continues to position itself as a wind energy leader," said Kevin C. Sagara, president of renewables for Sempra U.S. Gas Power. "The acquisition of the Apple Blossom wind project enables our company to continue to invest in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy infrastructure. We look forward to providing Michigan with a stable supply of clean, renewable energy and becoming a long-term partner with the local community through the development and operation of this project."
The project is expected to employ about 250 construction workers at peak and be in commercial operation by year-end 2017. The entire output from the wind farm has been sold to Consumers Energy under a 15-year contract.
"Geronimo Energy is pleased to work with Sempra U.S. Gas & Power on a second wind farm project in the Midwestern United States," said Blake Nixon, president of Geronimo Energy. "Sempra U.S. Gas & Power brings impressive wind energy construction and operating expertise and has an aligned mission with Geronimo Energy's farmer-friendly and community-focused approach."
"We appreciate the contribution made by Geronimo Energy to develop the Apple Blossom project and look forward to collaboration with Sempra U.S Gas & Power as the project is constructed and operated," said Tim Sparks, vice president energy supply operations for Consumers Energy. "Our customers are expressing interest in more renewable energy development in Michigan. We're pleased to be a leader in providing an increasingly clean energy portfolio at a very economical price to the Michigan families and businesses we serve."
About Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC is a leading developer of renewable energy and natural gas projects. For more information, visit www.SempraUSGP.com. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2015 revenues of $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' 17,000 employees serve more than 32 million consumers worldwide.
About Geronimo Energy
Geronimo Energy is a utility-scale renewable energy development company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Geronimo has developed multiple operating wind farms and solar projects throughout the United States. Over 1,600 megawatts of Geronimo-developed renewable energy projects are either operational or currently under construction.
Geronimo has a multi-gigawatt development pipeline of wind and solar projects in various stages of development throughout the United States and provides custom renewable energy development solutions for utilities and corporations looking to harness renewable energy for business growth. For more information about Geronimo Energy, visit www.geronimoenergy.com.
About Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Sempra International, LLC, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC, and Sempra Partners, LP, are not the same companies as the California utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) or Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), and Sempra International, LLC, Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, LLC, and Sempra Partners, LP, are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Sempra International's underlying entities include Sempra Mexico and Sempra South American Utilities. Sempra U.S. Gas & Power's underlying entities include Sempra Renewables and Sempra Natural Gas.
Media Contacts:
Steve Schooff
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
(877) 855-7887
www.semprausgp.com
Financial Contact:
Patrick Billings
Sempra Energy
(877) 696-2461
Investor@Sempra.com
SOURCE Sempra U.S. Gas & Power
Web Site: www.SempraUSGP.com
