The announcement was made Wednesday at the dedication of Pennsylvanias two newest wind farms, the Exelon-Community Energy Wind Farms at Somerset and Mill Run, coinciding with Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweikers proclamation of "Wind Energy Week" for the week of Oct. 22.

"Were very excited to be part of a clean energy future for Pennsylvania and the nation," said Barry Hilts, Penns associate vice president of facilities.

Penn, Philadelphia Suburban Water, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University and Giant Eagle Inc., have signed on to purchase 75 percent of what the combined 24-megawatt wind farms will produce annually.

Penn alone will purchase the output of five of the 215-foot-tall, 1.5-megawatt wind turbines, equivalent to more than 30 percent of the total energy generated from the two new wind farms. This purchase represents the largest retail wind energy purchase in the nation to date and will satisfy 5 percent of Penns annual energy needs.

"Penn is leading the way to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future," CEI president Brent Alderfer said. "Penn students, faculty, staff and alumni can take pride knowing five large wind turbines are producing new clean home-grown energy on their behalf."

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Contact: Julie McWilliams
juliemcw@pobox.upenn.edu
215-898-1422
University of Pennsylvania
26-Oct-2001