While the exact number of wind turbines has yet to be determined, initial estimates are for about 20, 1.5 megawatt turbines, the Jacksonville company said.

According to wind resource studies, central Illinois, and particularly the area around Pittsfield, has good wind energy potential.

Prairie Power is an electric generation and transmission cooperative, providing wholesale electricity to 11 Illinois electric distribution cooperatives in central Illinois.

"Our electric distribution cooperatives, their consumer members and the environment will benefit from this investment in wind power," said Prairie Power President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Harbour in a press release.

The proposed wind farm will generate about 91,980 megawatt-hours of clean, renewable electric energy. The energy output of the wind farm will provide enough electricity to serve about 15,970 rural consumers.

Clean, renewable energy bonds, renewable energy credits and other investment incentives will contribute to making the wind power more competitive in cost to other electric generation resources, according to Prairie Power. The project will meet all local, state and federal zoning and environmental regulations.

Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, of Winchester, a member distribution cooperative of Prairie Power, installed a wind turbine similar to those Prairie Power will be constructing and operating. This turbine, located west of Pittsfield, can be seen from Interstate 72 when looking south.

Prairie Power Chairman of the Board Dave Champion sees wind playing an important role in the energy future of the Midwest. "We currently rely primarily on coal and natural gas to meet our members' electricity needs," he said. "Wind is another source of power that gives us an environmentally attractive and economical source of electricity. All of us are working hard to secure the most stable, low-cost future electric supply for our members."

Prairie Power plans to begin construction of the wind farm in late 2009, with an expected completion date of 2011. With an estimated investment cost of about $66 million, the project will bring significant economic benefits to central Illinois, including increased tax revenues, construction jobs and lease payments to landowners, the company said.

Mr. Harbour said Prairie Power will begin speaking with landowners this fall about their interest in providing land for the turbines. Each wind turbine needs only about one to two acres of land.

"We plan to offer each landowner the opportunity to benefit from sales of the electricity from the turbines. This could add up to several thousands of dollars per year for each turbine site."

The best sites for the turbines have been determined using so-called "wind maps," which show where the highest and most constant wind speeds exist. Mr. Harbour said this is why Prairie Power and Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative selected the area west of Pittsfield. He said high ridges with few trees make the best locations.

Prairie Power Inc. provides wholesale electricity to 11 electric distribution cooperatives and is a member of Touchstone Energy - an alliance of more than 660 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country.