Granite Falls votes to join regional wind power purchase at reportedly low rate

Granite Falls City Council voted to participate in a regional power purchase agreement that will add wind generation from the Bingham Lakes wind farm to the city’s utility portfolio.

A utility commission representative told the council the city’s share would be about 1.3 megawatts—roughly 8.7% of the shared contract among participating Compass member cities—and that the base price in the agreement is, as the representative described it, $34 per megawatt‑hour. The presenter noted the contract contains a scheduled price increase after five years—transcript wording: "goes up to 3570"—and thereafter an additional 1% escalation, and said that over a 20‑year forecast the price remains competitive with other options the city has seen.

Staff said the purchase also helps the city meet state energy standards beyond 2040, by adding renewable generation and renewable energy credits to the municipal portfolio. The utility commission recommended participation; a council member moved and another seconded the motion and the council approved the agreement by voice vote with one member recorded as opposed.

Council members discussed the value of diversifying the utility portfolio and noted that the contract price is lower than recent solar offers quoted to the city. The presenter emphasized the long‑term planning benefit: "the more things we can do like this at this time is setting us up down the road in better shape," the utility commission representative said.

The agreement will be folded into the city’s existing power purchase portfolio; staff did not read a roll‑call tally during the meeting.