American Transmission Co. (ATC) contracted with HAZON Solutions to conduct a pilot program to evaluate using drones to inspect transmission lines on its system. The drone used by HAZON is approximately 25 pounds, 2.5 feet in diameter, has eight rotors and is equipped with a high-resolution camera. Drones are increasingly being used by utilities across the nation for inspection purposes. If the pilot program is successful, ATC will evaluate using drone technology in other parts of its service area.

Google signed a deal with EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) to purchase renewable energy for its data center. The PPA will provide Google with the full output of the 201-MW Great Western Wind Project located in Woodward and Ellis counties near the base of the Oklahoma panhandle. The project will commence construction in the first quarter of 2016 and be fully operational by end of the year. Great Western will be comprised of 30 V117 (unit capacity of 3.3 MW) and 51 V100 (unit capacity of 2.2 MW) wind turbines supplied by Vestas.

Thermal Energy Partners (TEP), acting through its subsidiary Nevis Renewable Energy International (NREI), and the Nevis Electric Company Limited (NEVLEC) signed a long-term agreement for 25 years of energy supply connected to a geothermal project on the island of Nevis. The first plant of its kind on the island will supply 9 MW of power that is immediately expandable to meet the ongoing power needs of Nevis and easily capable of exporting 40-50 MW of additional power to other islands.