Birmingham, Alabama (Platts)--13Mar2009

The Maryland Public Service Commission on Friday made public its approval
of an exemption that would allow fast-track construction of a 69.6-MW wind
farm in the western portion of the state.

The regulators approved an exemption of the Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity requirement, which is allowed under a two-year-old
state law for projects less than 70 MW. US Wind Force proposed the project,
which will be located on Dans Mountain.

The fast-track approval process for smaller wind projects has come under
fire lately. A bill currently being considered by the Maryland General
Assembly would eliminate the exemption.

With PSC approval, the developer must start building within three years
and must have at least one functioning turbine in service within five years.

US Cellular had objected to the project's location because some of the
turbines would interfere with its lines of communication. US Wind Force agreed
to resolve all communications interference issues.

The developer still must obtain all state regulatory permits and must
comply with all PJM Interconnection requirements. It also must notify the PSC
two weeks before the export of electricity begins.