Direct Energy Signs Deal to Increase Wind Portfolio

What is to be one of the largest wind farms constructed by AES Corp. in the U.S.—Abilene's Buffalo Gap 3 and its 524 megawatt capacity— will help Houston-based utility Direct Energy add 170 megawatts to its current wind portfolio. Operations are expected to begin in mid-2008 as part of the new seven-year deal between AES and Direct Energy.

"The Buffalo Gap 3 expansion will allow AES to continue developing renewable energy sources in West Texas, benefiting the local economy through the creation of new jobs and an increased tax base," said Ryan Pfaff, Managing Director, AES Wind Generation. "We are also pleased to further expand our relationship with Direct Energy, a world-class organization that shares our commitment to the West Texas wind market."

Direct Energy's total renewable energy purchases will increase to 813 megawatt with the new agreement—enough to power 200,000 Texas homes and offset nearly 2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.