OwnEnergy and the National Farmers Union Service Association Announce Strategic Partnership

OwnEnergy, the leading developer of Community Wind, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with The National Farmers Union Service Association (NFUSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Farmers Union. The partners announced plans to develop a 20 MW wind energy project in Minnesota called the Rothsay Wind Energy project, which will create local jobs and stimulate economic development in the community.

Detroit, MI - November 4, 2009 - OwnEnergy, the leading developer of Community Wind, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with The National Farmers Union Service Association (NFUSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Farmers Union. The partners announced plans to develop a 20 MW wind energy project in Minnesota called the Rothsay Wind Energy project, which will create local jobs and stimulate economic development in the community.


The Rothsay Wind Energy project is located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and will provide clean, locally-generated power to approximately 6,000 homes. The project will soon enter the Midwest ISO Definitive Planning Phase (DPP), and will use Tier 1 turbines to ensure finance-ability of the project. The project footprint includes property from six landowners, and will require minimal permitting in addition to the state required PUC permit.

The partnership between OwnEnergy and NFUSA represents a win-win situation for both the wind industry and farmers across the United States. Community Wind projects provide farmers with the opportunity to generate a portion of their own electricity, create additional revenue streams for their family and their community, and expand sources of clean, renewable energy for the country.

OwnEnergy is the leading developer of Community Wind with more than 1,000 MW under development across 14 U.S. states. The company partners with landowners, farmers and local entities to jointly develop utility-scale wind projects ranging from 10 to 80 MW. The projects help to create local jobs, spur economic growth and provide communities with clean, renewable sources of energy that they can call their own.

"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with NFUSA and our plans for the Rothsay Wind Energy project," said Jacob Susman, OwnEnergy's CEO. "Minnesota was the birthplace of Community Wind and one of the states where we see the greatest opportunity. Who better to partner with in Minnesota than one of the leading agricultural advocacy groups in America?"

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is an agricultural organization with a membership of 250,000 farm and ranch families in 32 states. The mission of the organization is to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and their rural communities.

"NFU's involvement with this project and other renewable development is an extension of our central mission," said Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union. "We believe that greater economic benefits can be realized through the responsible development of community-based projects, and we are thrilled to work with OwnEnergy to bring that concept to life."

OwnEnergy insists on working with only the highest caliber local development partners, of which NFUSA is a perfect example. While OwnEnergy takes the lead in structuring contracts, securing equipment and raising financing, local partners are responsible for securing wind rights and local incentives, promoting the project within the local community, acquiring meteorological equipment and data, and building relationships with neighbors, schools boards, civic groups, and other local stakeholders. Through partnerships like the one between NFUSA and OwnEnergy, projects are able to more rapidly win the host community's trust, confidence and support, thus reducing risk and accelerating development.

About OwnEnergy
OwnEnergy is the leading developer of mid-size, locally-owned wind farms, often referred to as Community Wind. The company forms long-term partnerships with landowners and local developers across the United States to jointly develop utility-scale wind projects that help create local jobs, spur economic growth and provide communities with clean, renewable sources of energy that they can call their own. OwnEnergy is leading the shift towards locally-owned wind projects by leveraging their resources, networks and industry know-how to guide and support their local partners through the complex process of developing a successful wind farm. For more information about OwnEnergy, and to learn about OwnEnergy's co-development, please visit http://www.ownenergy.net, or send an email to info@ownenergy.net

About the National Farmers Union
NFU represents farmers and ranchers in all states, with organized chapters in 32 states. The key to the success and credibility of the organization has been Farmers Union's grassroots structure in which policy positions are initiated locally. The policy process includes the presentation of resolutions by individuals, followed by possible adoption of the resolutions at the local, state and national levels. Members and staff of the Farmers Union advocate these policy positions nationwide. For more information about the National Farmers Union please visit http://nfu.org/ or send an email to info@nfu.org.

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