A dynamic duo

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. recently partnered with the world’s largest provider of wind power, Iberdrola Renewables, to purchase and operate a wind-generating plant that would serve the energy company’s electric customers.

The proposed Manzana Wind Project would be the first wind project owned by PG&E, and could begin producing power by December 2011 if it is approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, according to a press release. The project would span about 7,000 acres in the Tehachapi region of eastern Kern County.

The total capital cost of the project will be slightly more than $900 million. Customers who receive electric generation, transmission and distribution services from PG&E will see their rates increase 1.1 percent in 2012 compared to 2009, averaging about 25 cents more per month.

The project has a projected annual output equal to the energy consumed by about 100,000 average homes, and would contribute significantly to PG&E’s efforts to meet California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.