MA firm acquires Oklahoma wind developer

BOSTON (AP) -- A Massachusetts-based utility company says it has invested about $23 million of late-stage development capital to own the majority stake in a firm developing a wind power project in Oklahoma.

Atlantic Power Corp. says the deal leaves it in control of a 51-percent stake in Canadian Hills Wind LLC, which owns the Canadian Hills Project -- a 298.45 megawatt wind development located about 20 miles west of Oklahoma City.

Construction is expected to begin by April, with commercial operations expected in November.

The project has already signed long-term agreements to sell 250.45 megawatts of its power.

It is negotiating a similar power purchase agreement for the remaining 48 megawatts.

Atlantic Power is based in Boston.