TVA Requests Proposals for Wind Facility Operation

January 30, 2009

OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. — TVA is requesting proposals from vendors concerning the future use and operation of TVA’s three-turbine wind farm on Buffalo Mountain about 10 miles north of Oliver Springs, Tenn., near Knoxville.

TVA will consider any of a variety of options for using the three TVA-owned turbines and the site. Proposals involving contractors providing operation and maintenance services, technical research and development partnerships, transfer of ownership with a power-purchase agreement, or other innovative arrangements will be considered.

“We hope this request for proposals will result in a variety of options to consider for making the best use of the turbines for the benefit of TVA customers,” said TVA River Operations Senior Vice President Janet Herrin. “Our first three turbines successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using a renewable resource at the Buffalo Mountain location and led to the expansion of the wind farm in 2005.”

The three original turbines, with a capacity of 660 kilowatts each, are 213 feet tall, and their blades are 75 feet long. TVA installed the wind turbines in 2000 establishing the first successful wind farm in the Southeast.

Since then, 15 additional wind turbines have been installed on Buffalo Mountain, and TVA uses the power through a power-purchase agreement with the turbines’ owner/operator.

Companies and organizations interested in submitting a proposal may go to www.tva.com and obtain specific RFP guidelines and submission information. Proposals must be received by Monday, March 2.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Terry Johnson, Chattanooga, (423) 751-6875
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom