Avangrid, PSE Sign PPA for 199.5MW Big Horn I Wind Farm

Why It Matters

The agreement accelerates Washington’s clean‑energy targets while delivering economic benefits such as jobs and tax revenue, reinforcing Avangrid’s and PSE’s leadership in regional renewable power.

Key Takeaways

• Avangrid upgrades 199.5 MW Big Horn I wind farm for 2028 operation
• PPA creates ~200 construction jobs and extends turbine lifespan
• Project will power ~70,000 homes, adding $16 M tax revenue
• Combined Avangrid‑PSE wind assets exceed 600 MW in Columbia Gorge

Pulse Analysis

Power purchase agreements (PPAs) have become a cornerstone of the United States’ transition to renewable electricity, allowing utilities to lock in long‑term, low‑cost clean power while providing developers with predictable revenue streams. In Washington state, aggressive clean‑energy legislation and ambitious renewable‑portfolio standards have spurred utilities like Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to secure multiple wind contracts. Avangrid, a subsidiary of the Iberdrola Group, has leveraged its extensive portfolio—over 11 GW across 25 states—to become a preferred partner, now finalizing its fourth PPA with PSE in the Pacific Northwest.

The Big Horn I project, originally commissioned in 2006, is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade that will replace key components and extend its operational life to at least 2035. The 199.5 MW facility, equipped with 133 GE 1.5 MW turbines, will be capable of powering roughly 70,000 homes once fully operational. The refurbishment is projected to create about 200 construction jobs, injecting short‑term labor demand into Klickitat County, while the wind farm is expected to generate $16 million in tax revenue over its lifespan, bolstering local fiscal resources. Enhanced turbine performance and reliability also improve grid stability, helping PSE meet its renewable‑energy obligations without compromising supply quality.

Beyond the immediate project, the Avangrid‑PSE partnership contributes to a regional wind corridor exceeding 600 MW, spanning the Columbia River Gorge. This concentration of wind assets strengthens the Pacific Northwest’s ability to export clean electricity to neighboring markets and reduces reliance on fossil‑fuel generation. Investors are watching the deal as a signal of sustained private‑sector confidence in large‑scale wind development, especially as federal tax incentives and state policies continue to favor low‑carbon infrastructure. The successful upgrade of legacy farms like Big Horn I demonstrates a viable pathway for extending the value of existing renewable assets, a trend likely to shape future investment strategies across the U.S. energy landscape.