You could be using cleaner and cheaper utilities in your home by next year. That's because a new wind farm is in the works in Day County.  Basin Electric Power Cooperative, East River Electric Power Cooperative, Western Area Power Administration and NextEra Energy Resources have partnered for the project

The $250 million farm will increase wind power in South Dakota by more than 30 percent. The Day County Wind Farm is expected to be constructed near Groton. Along with cleaner energy, the farm will also bring in revenue and employment to the county and state.

It's called an investment in South Dakota's economy.  A wind farm that will power thousands of homes in the state is expected to be up and running in the next year.

“It's a wonderful place for it because we have good wind, very good wind where they are putting this farm,” Day County Commission Chairman Chuck Hesla said.

Hesla says not only will this farm benefit the state, it will help boost development and budgets in his county.

“It's going to bring in revenue for us to use in the future and jobs,” Hesla said.

By the end of the next year, wind turbines in the state will produce as much electricity as half of all homes in South Dakota use in a year. This Day County Wind Farm will contribute more than 60 turbines to that cause.  Those involved in the decision to place the large investment in northeastern South Dakota say it was easy because of where other power plants are located in the area.

“Natural gas and wind work very well together. When the wind doesn't blow, the natural gas can come online and firm up that wind,” Dusty Johnson with the Public Utilities Commission said.

With a commitment from four energy organizations and plenty of wind, energy in South Dakota will soon become even cleaner.

Construction is expected to begin as soon as all the permits are received. The project is expected to be ready for operation by mid-2010.