The dedication ceremony was held in Avon yesterday for Beethoven Wind, a $143 million 43-tower project that will supply electricity to residents of southeastern South Dakota. Board President Ron Hornstra says the project was originally started in 2007 as a community wind project under the name B & H Wind and is now owned by Northwestern Energy.

He says the wind towers are located in the Tripp Lake area and Beethoven Wind will generate 80 megawatts of electricity.

Hornstra says the wind generated by the project will help keep electrical rates economical for several communities in southern South Dakota. Wind is the cheapest source of electricity available and the price is guaranteed for the next 20 years.

He says they’re also proud of the wind project because it provides rural development opportunities in the state. They hope to build on this success with their next project which is Prevailing Winds.