CPS Energy, the nation’s largest municipal buyer of wind energy, added 150 megawatts (MW) of wind to its growing renewable energy program with the recent start of operations at the Cedro Hill Wind Farm. Located in Bruni, Texas, 40 miles east of Laredo, Cedro Hill will generate enough electricity to provide service to more than 42,000 homes. The 20,000 acre site is home to 100 General Electric wind turbines, each capable of generating 1.5 MW for a total of 150 MW.

“The Cedro Hill Wind Farm brings on resources from South Texas that complements our west Texas and coastal wind farms, providing further diversification of our renewable portfolio,” said Cris Eugster, Chief Sustainability Officer for CPS Energy.

CPS Energy has committed to growing its renewable energy portfolio to 1,500 MW by the year 2020. The municipal utility entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with Edison Mission Group (EMG), which officially commissioned the wind farm for commercial operation on November 28.

"In partnership with CPS Energy, we are pleased to provide this new, clean energy source to the residents and businesses of San Antonio," said Ron Litzinger, Chief Executive Officer of EMG. EMG is one of the largest developers, owners and operators of wind energy in the country with 29 projects with a generating capacity of more than 1,800 megawatts in 10 states.

With the addition of the Cedro Hill Wind Farm, CPS Energy now has 859 MW of clean renewable Texas wind energy. The utility currently buys up to 341.3 MW from the Cottonwood Creek Wind Farm located southwest of Sweetwater and another 160.5 MW comes from the Desert Sky Wind Farm near Iraan. Recent additions include 76.8 MW from the Peñascal Wind Farm near Baffin Bay and 130.4 from the Papalote Creek Wind Farm near Taft.

“We also make it possible for our residential and commercial customers to demonstrate their environmental stewardship by supporting clean, renewable wind energy and signing up for Windtricity®.  Commercial customers can subscribe to Windtricity® Business Partners, which affords them the opportunity to offset part or all of their electrical requirements with wind power,” said Eugster.

Customers can learn more information about Windtricity® by visiting cpsenergy.com or calling 226-WIND (9463).