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GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) The first turbines at a wind farm in north-central Montana are online, supplying power to customers in California.

The $500 million Glacier Wind Farm is being developed by Spain-based NaturEner. The first phase will produce 106.5 megawatts of power. Company spokesman Bill Alexander says each of the 71 towers in the first phase is scheduled to be online and producing full power within two weeks.

Claudia Rapkoch with NorthWestern Energy says the wind farm connected to the transmission system Wednesday. NaturEner is adding 20 megawatts of power at a time to NorthWestern's transmission system.

NorthWestern, which owns the transmission line, says the power is bound for San Diego Gas and Electric's customers.

NaturEner plans another 69 wind turbines at the site, with work scheduled to be complete next spring.

Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-15-08 0911CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list