Potential providers of wind power include two companies that plan to build wind generators in the Ellensburg area in Kittitas County and a third facility planned for the far southeastern corner of Washington.

The company didn't say how soon it would decide on the second phase of acquiring power to replace generation covered under contracts that are nearing expiration.

"I'd say it would be as soon as possible," said Puget spokesman Grant Ringel. "It will depend on how fast we can do due diligence and negotiate with the companies."

Puget already has acquired half of the 249-megawatt gas-fired combustion turbine located in the Frederickson area.

The Bellevue-based company that has nearly a million customers -- about 20 percent of them between South King County and Thurston County -- has trimmed its list of prospects to seven:

--A multiyear, 240-megawatt contract with Powerex Corp., the marketing arm of British Columbia Hydro.

--A multiyear agreement to buy 85 megawatts from Arizona Public Service Co. from a coal-fired plant in Washington.

--The possible purchase of two wind-power projects near Ellensburg. Each would furnish 150 megawatts, one from enXco Inc., of Palm Springs, Calif., and one from Zilkha Renewable Energy of Houston.

--The potential purchase of a similar, 150-megawatt wind project near Walla Walla from RES North America LLC of Portland.

--A multiyear 200-megawatt purchase from a Western power supplier that asked not to be identified.

--A possible 4.5 megawatt purchase from Ormat Nevada Inc. of Reno. The power would come from heat produced by a natural gas compressor station in the state.

"Based on our preliminary analysis, we believe these proposals can help us secure energy for our customers at stable, predictable prices," said Eric Mar-kell, Puget's senior vice president of energy resources.

The projects either exist or can be in service by 2006.

Nearly 50 proposals were submitted after Puget issued a request for proposals last February.

Plants fired by natural gas didn't make the list of finalists because of high prices and price volatility. New coal plants also were crossed off Puget's list because they face significant problems with siting and permitting and have no obvious immediate solutions, the company said.

"It's really a good mix of existing plants and renewables," Rin- gel said. "We think the impact on customers will be modest."