Maryland Wind

Maryland Wind Project

Criterion Wind Project

Criterion Wind Project is located on Backbone Mountain in Garrett County, Maryland. The 70 MW project consists of 28 turbines and went into commercial operation in December 2010. Old Dominion Electric Cooperative has a 20-year power purchase agreement to purchase the output and renewable energy credits produced by Criterion.

1295 Eagle Rock Road
Oakland, Maryland 
directions

 

Generating More Low-Carbon Electricity

Exelon Wind was developed as part of our efforts to provied more low-carbon electricity in the marketplace through our environmental and business strategy: Exelon 2020.  A division of Exelon Power, Exelon Wind has wind projects in 10 states.  Criterion Wind Project joined the fleet in 2012 through Exelon's merger with Constellation.

Emergency Planning

All Exelon facilities employ sophisticated emergency response plans to protect public health and safety.  These plans are reviewed and approved by state governments and regulatory agencies.  The emergency planning includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.

Supporting the Local Economy

Exelon Wind pays local real estate taxes totaling about $6.2 million every year to support county and township government, area schools, libraries, park districts and other taxing bodies where our plants are located.

Environmental Commitment

Exelon is committed to operating the Criterion Wind Project in an environmentally responsible manner. Special attention has been given to avoid, minimize and mitigate any potential wildlife impacts. We are also working with state and federal governmental authorities to avoid impacts to the Indiana bat, specifically working with governmental authorities in connection with the “incidental take” process. 

As part of this process to avoid impacts to the Indiana bat, Criterion is going through the public comment process on its habitat conservation plan which describes Criterion’s work to avoid impacts where practicable, minimize unavoidable impacts, and mitigate the effects of any impacts.  These documents along with results of the first year of bird and bat monitoring are provided below.