Sign up now! The fall wind tours fill up fast

As in years past, Dakota Electric's wind tours will likely fill up fast. To help members better understand wind energy production and distribution, Dakota Electric is hosting a tour to the McNeilus wind farm near Dodge Center, Minn.

The wind farm has 56 turbines and generates more than 42 megawatts of electricity. Great River Energy, Dakota Electric's wholesale power supplier, purchases energy from this project.

Members will also visit Pleasant Valley Station, a 487-megawatt natural gas “peaking plant” near Sargeant, Minn. Pleasant Valley Station generates electricity for Great River Energy during times of high electrical demand.

Three tour dates are available, Sept. 5, 11 and 12. Each day, the tour will leave from Dakota Electric at 8 a.m. and return at approximately 3 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and includes lunch at Pleasant Valley Station.

Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be at least 10 years of age, and due to the tour's popularity, we request only members who have not previously attended sign up.

To sign up, call Mary Jo Fischer at 651-463-6301 or e-mail windtour@dakotaelectric.com by Aug. 24.