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Overview
The Kibby Wind Power Project will be the largest wind power development in New England, providing enough clean, renewable electricity for the equivalent of 50,000 average Maine homes.
The wind farm will be located along Kibby Mountain and Kibby Range in the Boundary Mountains of Maine. The Kibby Wind Power Project will be capable of producing 132 megawatts of electricity.
In addition to 44 wind turbines, power collection lines and access roads, the project will include an electric transmission line to connect power generated by the turbines to the existing transmission grid. A detailed map of the project location, including the transmission line route is available.
A 115 kilovolt line would extend approximately 25 miles from the proposed substation below the ridge lines in Kibby Township, to an existing substation in the Bigelow area of Maine.
Results of environmental and technical studies have been incorporated in the project design to take advantage of this superior wind resource while minimizing environmental and other impacts. TransCanada worked with the major environmental groups in Maine from the inception of the project. In June 2007, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Audubon, and Natural Resources Council of Maine announced support for the Kibby Wind Power Project.
Electricity generated from the facility will be sold to customers through a combination of short- and long-term contracts. TransCanada has already sold a portion of the power and renewable energy credits to buyers in the New England market.
TransCanada offers full-service electricity supply to wholesale, commercial and industrial customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut. If you’re interested in exploring power supply options that involve our Kibby project, call us toll free at 1.877.MEGAWAT.
Regulatory Requirements
The project has undergone a rigorous review that balances a broad range of issues to ensure that the Kibby Wind Power Project provides a clean, renewable energy source with minimal impacts to the surrounding community and environment.
The key regulatory process for the project was review by the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission. State agencies such as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, State Soil Scientist were involved in this review process.
Federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Aviation Administration, in addition to local agencies, have also been involved in reviewing the project.
Project Benefits
During construction, this project will benefit local and neighboring communities primarily through construction contractor spending on food, lodging, fuel, and other construction related services.
It is expected that up to 250 people will be employed during construction and approximately 10 to12 permanent jobs will be created. Longer-term benefits include tax revenues generated from new facilities.
A community benefits package to the Eustis/Stratton area of $1,000/year per megawatt installed or approximately $132,000 annually.
In October 2008 TransCanada celebrated the Kibby Wind Power Project Conservation Agreement. The Conservation Agreement has two components. First, TransCanada has agreed not to develop wind power on approximately 1,100 acres of high-elevation ridgelines near the project site. Second, TransCanada is contributing $500,000 towards a larger conservation effort by the State in partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL). TransCanada’s contribution will ensure the protection of a buffer along approximately four miles of the Grafton Loop Trail, a backcountry hiking trail with exceptional scenic and ecological value.
TransCanada has a long and well-respected track record with regard to community support and social responsibility and we are committed to being a good neighbor as we expand and grow our business.
Commitment to Consultation
TransCanada recognizes the importance of stakeholder input in our proposed
project plans. Through consultation with landowners, communities, and other interested stakeholders, we share project information, seek participation and do our best to incorporate feedback into our project design and implementation.
Since the project was announced, TransCanada has endeavored to reach out to stakeholders and get to know the local communities. While studying the project area, and now during construction, our employees and consultants continue to use local hotels and restaurants, purchase equipment locally where possible, and hired locals to oversee and maintain equipment. We've participated in the Eustis/Stratton Family Fun Days and Polar Blast events to help raise funds for the Summer Recreation Program and the Flagstaff Area Business Association. The project has donated more than $20,000 to support youth activities and economic & community development in Franklin County.
In addition to numerous stakeholder meetings, TransCanada has hosted four public open houses:
- October 18, 2006 - Stratton Community Building
- February 6, 2007 - Hall of Flags, Maine State Legislature Building
- May 31, 2007 - Stratton Community Building
- March 24, 2009 - Stratton Community Building (Construction Open House & Job Fair)
publications
For more information on TransCanada's community, health, safety and environment activities, visit the Social Responsibility section of our website
Media Announcements
Contacts
Wolfgang Neuhoff
Project Manager
403.831.9617
Kibby Wind Power Project e-mail
kibbywind@transcanada.com
Kibby Wind Power Project toll-free number
1.877.943.3367
Mailing address
TransCanada Kibby Wind Power Project
52 Center Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Media inquiries
1.800.608.7859
Employment Information
Firms and individuals interested in participating in the construction process should send materials documenting their skills, experience, and/or specific local knowledge of the area, including availability of materials to:
Dustin Littlefield
Assistant Project Manager
Reed & Reed
207.443.9747
275 River Road
PO Box 370
Woolwich, ME
04579
Matthew Nazarko
TransCanada
416.869.2185
Kibby Wind Power Project
52 Center Street
Portland, ME 04101
Shawna McKenney
Human Resources
CIANBRO Corporation
207.679.2105
www.cianbro.com/Careers
Mike Daigle
Site Manager
Vestas/Kibby Wind Power Project
503.953.6452
midai@vestas.com
www.vestas.com/en/jobs/job-openings.aspx
For information on Transcanada's Community Investment program, our funding guidelines and to submit an online request, please visit our Community Investment section.
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