'Up Close and Personal' with Wind Power

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Vol. 67, No. 5 The newsletter of Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc., East Montpelier, Vermont. August 2006 ‘Up Close And Personal’ With Wind Power WEC Directors Share What They’ve Seen, Heard and Thought About Commercial Wind The Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm is a TVA project located new Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Less picturesque are the scars of coal extraction on other nearby mountains. project, Lyndonville Electric Department, Introduction by was before village trustees telling Avram Patt, WEC them that the company that is planning President’s Report a massive expansion of the Burke General Manager Mountain ski resort (itself an “industrial” development of a whole mountain if Early A.M. Fire Temporarily here has been a lot of news about there ever was one), had informed him wind energy in Vermont recently. that they are going to need to more than Sidelines Coventry Facility, TThe Public Service Board denied double that utility’s electric load, a 115- the application of East Haven Wind, percent increase! But Plans Move Forward the first new wind project proposed in Is anyone connecting the dots here? Vermont. The developer of that UPC, the company By Barry Bernstein Avram Patt informing me of the fire at project has stated that he feels proposing a wind project the plant I was obviously distressed. that wind energy is “dead” here in Sheffield and Sutton am assuming most of our member- Avram and WEC Operations Director because of Governor Douglas’ that WEC would receive a ship has heard about the unfortunate Dan Weston were at the plant by 4 a.m. and his administration’s flat-out portion of the output from, fire we had the WEC Coventry plant Here we were, 13 months along since opposition to any commercial- is going forward. A couple I early in the morning on Tuesday, August start-up, running at close to full capacity scale project. of weeks ago, I read the 8. The fire started as a result of an oil and planning for the installation of the Ironically, on the same day preliminary testimony of leak on the #1 engine, and caused sig- fourth engine in early fall, and this totally the East Haven application our state officials at the nificant damage to the engine room and unexpected event stops us in our tracks. was denied, the manager of Department of Public the utility that was going to the building’s roof and structure. However, we knew we had to When I received a call at 2 a.m. move forward, and early that day the take all of the power from that continued on page 3 Linda Gahne Fox that morning from General Manager continued on page 2

Inside Washington Electric Cooperative East Montpelier, VT 05651 2006 Capital Credits What to do with program. The time for WEC defunct or broken to distribute annual equity fluorescent bulbs? payments to Co-op members They’ve saved you a is approaching. Details of pretty penny by conserving this year’s program, and a electricity, but when The Co-op Store, a request to help us reach former they’re done they must be regular feature of Co-op members, are on page 4. disposed of properly. See Currents, was elbowed ‘Waste Not’ for guidance. out of this issue by our Co-op Coventry plant to Page 5. Capital Credits list and expand. Washington Electric our wind farm stories. Cooperative has applied for Credit Unions are Co- For energy-product a permit to install a fourth ops, too. For information information and other generating engine at the landfill on credit unions and Co-op opportunities, gas-fired plant. It will mean their availability in central go to WEC’s website. more, affordable power for Vermont, see our Vermont Co-op Store will return WEC members. Page 2. Cooperatives feature on in our September issue. page 7. Page , Co-op Currents, August 2006 www.washingtonelectric.coop

President’s Report continued from page 1 and consultant and WEC member John Warshow also arrived, and our technical phones were ringing and everyone who staff members Bob Fair and Mark had worked on the project during its Maloney. Back at our office, Special construction, and were so proud of the Projects Administrator Denise Jacques project, was committed to help. By early coordinated the response. By the next afternoon we had assembled most of the day long-lead-time items were placed on key players on-site to assess what we order, our insurance adjuster had given needed to do to get the plant back on the okay to go ahead, and Albie Borne, line as soon as possible – to minimize vice-president and project manager with the added costs to WEC of purchasing Bates & Murray (which installed the power at volatile market prices, and the wiring) had determined the electrical temporary loss of revenue from our sale components that would be needed. of renewable energy credits (RECs) We hope to have the engines repaired based on power production at the plant. and back in place by mid-September, and The team we assembled at the plant our goal is to be back on line sometime in included the key players at Innovative October. As Avram Patt keeps reminding Energy Systems (IES, the plant’s me, this is indeed a setback for us, but designer and chief operator). These the plant will provide power for 30-plus were Pete Zeliff Sr. and Pete Zeliff Jr. years and this shutdown will be just a blip Both were coming from New York State. in a successful project’s long history. It’s WEC’s methane-powered generating station in Coventry suffered a fire on August 8. Pete Sr., a licensed pilot, flew to the important for our members to know that The fire was quickly contained, with damage largely confined to the roof and some small airport next to the NEWS landfill. we remain on schedule for conducting of the equipment in the engine room. Pete Jr. arrived by car at 7 a.m. Scott a membership vote for approval of the Wilson, IES’ on-site manager at the plant, fourth engine in late September (see subsequent letter to Newport Fire Chief with the membership concerning the got the alarm call in the wee hours and “Co-op Plans Expansion”, below), with Eric Degre: “Our plant operator, Scott sale of Green Mountain Power Corp., had arrived hours earlier along with the the goal of stepping up our power in Wilson, told me he was very impressed the doubling in cost of the VELCO Newport Volunteer Fire Department. December. with the professionalism and training transmission-line Lamoille upgrade, the Others who shuffled their I want to publicly express our of your people, especially in what was UPC Sheffield/Sutton wind project, and commitments to assemble hurriedly at appreciation to the City of Newport clearly a dangerous industrial situation. Efficiency Vermont’s increased energy the damaged plant site included Bernie Volunteer Fire Department for its quick This is all the more commendable for a efficiency budget, I will wait until the next Demag of Pizzagalli Construction and and effective response. By the time volunteer department. When it comes Co-op Currents issue to go into detail on Dennis Plaster, senior engineer from Avram and Dan arrived at the plant at 4 to fires, being able to say ‘it could have those subjects, given our current primary Milton Cat. Josh Trombley, former a.m., the fire had been extinguished and been worse’ means that we have the focus with bringing Coventry back on line. electrical foreman with Bates & Murray, the crew had left. To quote from Avram’s firefighters to thank.” We continue to appreciate our While there is much news to discuss members’ support as we move forward. Co-op Currents

Co-op Currents (Publication No. USPS 711 -210 and ISSN No. Co-op Plans Expansion at Coventry 0746-8784) is published monthly except February, May, August and November by Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc., Route 14, P.O. Application To Go Forward, Despite Fire Box 8, East Montpelier, Vermont 05651. The cost of this publication is WEC is part of the $.43, which is included in the basic monthly charge to each member. alliance working to Periodical postage rates at East Montpelier and at additional offices. advance and sup- Postmaster: Send address changes to Co-op Currents, P.O. Box 8, port the principles onths earlier than antici- a fourth engine sometime in 2007 or of cooperatives in East Montpelier, Vermont 05651. Vermont. pated, Washington Electric 2008. WEC is seeking approval earlier www.vermont Cooperative has requested because gas recovery from the landfill cooperatives.coop M permission to increase the production has exceeded the original projections. Board of Directors capacity of its electric generating plant Within days of the PSB filing, an President BARRY BERNSTEIN 1237 Bliss Road, Marshfield, Vt. 05658 456-8843 in Coventry, Vermont. On August 4, early-morning fire broke out in the [email protected] Vice President ROGER FOX 2067 Bayley-Hazen Rd., East Hardwick, 563-2321 2006, the Co-op filed a petition with the generating facility. However, damage Vt. 05836-9873 [email protected] Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) was limited, and did not involve the Treasurer DONALD DOUGLAS 21 Douglas Rd., East Orange, Vt. 05086 439-5364 seeking regulatory approval to install a methane gas-collection system. The [email protected] fourth generating engine at the plant, Co-op has undertaken repairs and KIMBERLY CHENEY 143 S. Bear Swamp Rd., Middlesex, Vt. 05602 223-3181 [email protected] which is located at New England Waste is proceeding with its expansion WENDELL CILLEY 468 Vt. Rte. 25, West Topsham, Vt. 05086 439-6138 Service of Vermont’s (NEWSVT) solid application. If approved by the PSB, the [email protected] waste landfill. process will then require a membership ROY FOLSOM 2603 US Rt. 2, Cabot, Vt. 05647 426-3579 [email protected] The generating capacity of the vote later in the fall Timothy Guiles 746 Young Road, Williamstown, Vt 05679 279-2168 three engines originally installed in the “The fire is a setback for us, no doubt [email protected] plant totals 4.8 megawatts (MW), and about it,” said WEC General Manager MARION MILNE 1705 E. Orange Rd., W. Topsham, Vt. 05086 439-5404 actual output is expected to reach that Avram Patt. “But this does not affect the [email protected] RICHARD RUBIN 3496 East Hill Rd., Plainfield, Vt. 05667 454-8542 level later this year. Adding a fourth expansion proposal we submitted to the [email protected] engine will increase the total capacity Public Service Board. We will get the to 6.4 MW, although it will take time AVRAM PATT WILL LINDNER TIM NEWCOMB plant restored, and then expect to install General Manager Editor Layout for production to reach that level. WEC the new, fourth engine by the end of this [email protected] [email protected] expects to add more engines in the year, as planned.” Editorial Committee future as the landfill continues to expand Prior to its temporary shutdown Avram Patt Donald Douglas Wendell Cilley Will Lindner under NEWSVT’s permits. after the fire, the Coventry facility was The plant uses methane, captured as producing approximately a third of the The Board of Directors’ regularly scheduled meetings are on the last Wednesday of a byproduct of decomposition within the electricity used by WEC members; with each month, in the evening. Members are welcome to attend. Members who wish to landfill, to fuel the engines that generate the additional engine, the plant could discuss a matter with the Board should contact the president through WEC’s office. power. When the plant commenced eventually provide half or more of their Meeting dates and times are subject to change. For information about times and/or operation in July 2005, our technical agenda, or to receive a copy of the minutes of past meetings, contact Administrative power needs. The cost of the energy Assistant Deborah Brown, 802-223-5245. advisors anticipated there would be to WEC is approximately 4 cents per enough production potential to add kilowatt hour.

To call the Co-op, dial: weekdays 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 223-5245; toll-free for reporting outages & emergencies, 1-800-WEC-5245; after hours, weekends & holidays, 223-7040. www.washingtonelectric.coop Co-op Currents, August 2006, Page

Wind Power Wind a Part of continued from page 1 Tennessee’s Service and the Agency of Natural ‘Working Resources. Their testimony in this case essentially contradicts the “logic” of the Landscape’ arguments they had made in the East By Don Douglas Haven case. WEC does have an interest in the outcome, but I have to say that I grew up in East Tennessee between was embarrassed and disturbed by the the Smokey Mountains and the flaws and inconsistencies in our state ICumberland Mountains. I had not officials’ preliminary testimony. The been back in the area for nearly 20 Public Service Board, which will actually years, until my parents retired and make the decision, has shown that it returned to Oak Ridge 15 years ago. does not in every instance agree with Oak Ridge was built by the army these agencies regarding wind siting, so during World War II to help in the I have some hope that UPC’s project will production of the atom bomb. The be approved. location was chosen because it At the Co-op, we have been was hard to detect from the air. The analyzing wind energy for a few years mountains all around the city are and discussing it in this newsletter and beautiful. People love these mountains, A view, past trees and wildflowers, or two turbine at Tennessee’s Buffalo Mountain at member meetings. As I have listened which have served many uses. East Wind Farm. to elected and appointed state officials Tennessee is coal country and there make serious and often inflammatory have been mining operations on some of misstatements about the character- the mountains. Not everyone thinks that istics of wind generation and the role it is a good idea and practically nobody produce energy only when the wind can play in Vermont’s energy future, I thinks it is attractive, but it is part of a blows. The day we visited the wind was Mountain ‘Majesty’ realized that at WEC we have a deeper “working landscape.” not favorable, so the rotation of the in New Zealand understanding and are more informed This past February I visited a wind blades was very slow and there was about this than they are. farm that is located on the north ridge, lightning nearby. It was not safe to get By Wendell Cilley I visit power plants and wind farms between Oliver Springs and Oak out of the car. as part of my job. But what struck me Ridge. The local power company is the Still, they were majestic! Up close pproaching by road from the recently is that of our nine current board Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA was they are enormous, 300-foot-tall Northwest, the first glance of the members, eight of them have on their created by Congress in 1933 to control structures, but down in the town they ATe Apiti wind farm looks like an own initiative visited wind farms, looked flooding and produce electricity for a seem so small. From the top of a hill oversize pinwheel exhibit laid out above at them from up close and far away, very economically depressed region of in front of my parents’ house you can the low-lying profile of the New Zealand listened to them, and talked to people in the country. It has had much success. see Bull Run, a very large coal-fired North Island city of Palmerston North. the communities where they are located. Today TVA produces electricity from the energy plant, to the east. It burns 90 Softened by the relief that we had nearly At least three former board members dams and from coal-fired boilers, as well coal-car loads per day and produces made it to another – albeit temporary have also done so. Some of your as from nuclear plants. The tremendous 950 megawatts, which is almost equal – landing spot in the middle of hours of elected board members have visited the economic growth in East Tennessee to Vermont’s entire load. To the south driving, the turbines were big enough to wind farm in Searsburg, Vermont, and was encouraged by the availability of you can see a lake that feeds Milton command the attention of a travel-weary others, while traveling on vacations or to relatively low-cost electricity. Hill Dam, which also makes electricity. family. visit family, have gone out of their way to I called the TVA and asked about To the west you can just see the top of My first reaction of “My God, they are look at wind projects in other states and visiting Buffalo Buffalo Mountain, huge,” was followed quickly by “Why overseas. Mountain Wind and on a clear aren’t they all turning?” By the time we had deciphered the cryptic abbreviations We asked them to describe their Farm. After a From the hill day one can make experiences in this issue of Co-op telephone visit with out a few of the for street names and road numbers in front of my that I had scribbled on the back of a Currents. This electric cooperative’s someone in charge parents’ house wind turbines. board members are elected community of the “green Here in flyer in a phone booth, and wound our members, not professional utility people. energy” program you can see Vermont we talk way through the suburbs to where our You’ll see that they do not always agree at TVA I called the Bull Run, a about a “working nephew, Jason, his wife Ange, and their with each other, which is as it should be engineer who is in large coal-fired landscape.” We children Quinn and Jetta live, the novelty in a democratic organization. Although charge of the wind plant that burns talk about dairy of seeing the spinning sentinels above the current board has strongly supported farm. He agreed 90 coal-car farms and the the city had started to fade with the wind energy and the Sheffield project, as to take me up for a need to try to anticipation of seeing them up close. loads per day. George, my father-in-law, lives near have members who have left the board site visit. To the west you preserve this but were involved in the process, one sector of our Taurangh, New Zealand. He knew that On the way can just see the top of Buffalo board member dissents from the majority up the mountain economy. I agree as a co-op we were trying to buy wind- on this issue. he related some Mountain, and on a clear day one with the concept generated power for our members, and We publish their thoughts because personal history. can make out a few of the wind of keeping our he and others had encouraged me to regardless of the range of opinion, they He was trained as turbines. — Don Douglas dairy farms, for all visit the site where Meridian Energy have considered this issue carefully, a nuclear engineer the reasons we Limited had built the largest wind farm in have listened to and met with wind and for 15 years hear about. the Southern Hemisphere. supporters and opponents, have he worked for TVA designing nuclear But for me the idea of a “working Jason, the manager of a growing weighed alternatives, and have each plants. He is now responsible for Buffalo landscape” isn’t just about dairy farms. fitness club, had agreed to be our come to their opinions in an informed Mountain Wind and has 16 very large Vermont forests are also “working guide, and at the first mention of visiting and deliberative way. I personally 1.5-megawatt machines to keep on-line. landscapes,” as are Vermont’s rivers the wind farm five-year-old Quinn believe they fairly represent the opinions The daily operations and maintenance (too bad we let a Canadian company abandoned the elaborate model train he of WEC’s members – and that, based provides local employment opportunities. buy that part of our energy future). had set up in his room and joined his on several statewide surveys, these He told me that TVA has plans to put Are we going to refuse to develop dad, my son Ben, and me as we made opinions also reflect where Vermonters more wind farms in other locations. He wind energy on a few ridges? Should our way to his Holden (New Zealand as a whole come out on this issue. has visited Vermont and knows the we restore Burke Mountain and Jay General Motors) King-Cab pickup. The Searsburg wind farm. I told him about Peak to their original condition? If wind farm has been around about as the debate in Vermont over the issue of the ski industry is part of the “working long as Quinn can remember and it wind energy. landscape” of Vermont, why can’t wind ranks in the top three of his “current The turbines at Buffalo Mountain power be part of our landscape as well? continued on page 6

Serving more than 9,000 member/owners in central Vermont. A rural electric cooperative since 1939. Page , Co-op Currents, August 2006 www.washingtonelectric.coop

WEC 2006 Equity Distribution Plan Co-op Seeks Former Members For Capital Credit Refunds

ashington Electric Cooperative is preparing to issue capital credit refund be paid by check; if an amount of less than $20 remains in the former member’s checks to current and former members, as authorized by WEC’s Board of account, a check will be issued once the Co-op has received a properly executed WDirectors. Under the 2006 Equity Distribution Plan, capital credits will be authorization form (contact WEC for details). returned to eligible people who bought power from the consumer-owned electric Members and former members will have an opportunity to contribute their refunds utility during the years 1986, 1987 and 2005. The Board of Directors has targeted a to the Washington Electric Cooperative Community Fund. Current Co-op members total amount of $275,000 for distributions in 2006. who choose not to contribute to the Community Fund will receive their refunds in Capital credits are returned to Co-op members (customers) for those years in the form of a credit on their November electric bill. (For more information on the which WEC’s revenues exceed its operating expenses. Capital credits are a way Community Fund contact WEC’s office, or visit the Co-op online at www.washing- of dividing those margins among the member-owners. The amount of a member’s tonelectric.coop; select the Member Info tab, then Community Fund Program.) refund is based on the size of the Co-op’s margins in the years in question, and WEC may impose a $10 annual service charge on all patronage (capital credit) how much electricity the member purchased. Each Co-op member has a capital accounts for years in which the credits have been retired and went unclaimed. This credit account – which is a bookkeeping entry managed on an annual basis by the service charge can be applied to unclaimed accounts annually, until the balance in Cooperative – in his/her name. those accounts is $0. Under the 2006 Equity Distribution Plan $48,707 will go to members from the Earlier this summer WEC sent out Capital Credit Patronage Refund year 1986, when WEC’s margins totaled $243,535. This will complete retirements Authorizations to eligible former members, using the person’s last-known address. for 1986, which began with a $195,000 allocation in last year’s Equity Distribution Listed below are the names of people whose authorizations were returned as Plan. The 2006 plan also targets 1987, when WECs margins reached $255,386; the undeliverable. WEC is asking friends, acquaintances and relatives of the people $126,293 allocated this year will retire roughly half of that year’s capital credits (each listed here to contact those potential recipients or their rightful heirs, and have the eligible member is paid proportionally). The remaining $100,000 will address capital former member or beneficiary contact Washington Electric Cooperative directly at credits for 2005. WEC’s margins last year totaled $400,565; the 2006 allocation 802-223-5245, or toll-free at 1-800-932-5245. amounts to approximately 25 percent of that total. WEC will issue this year’s capital credit refunds in November 2006. For former members, no longer with the Co-op, refunds of $20 or more will

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Brown, Kenneth Cochran, Barbara Donahue, Russ W. & Linda Gajewski, Joseph & Helen Martha K. McGinnis Hubbard, Eugene C. Beecher, George Brown, Margaret Cofske, Harvey J. & Natalie C. Donald, Carol & Harold Galbreath, Maurice S. & Haggett, Stacia Hugg, Robert & Pamela Beier, Deborah J. Brown, Philip F. Colburn, Judith P. Donovan, William L. Beverly L. Hale, Robert A. & Marjorie Hughlett, R. E. & Denise A. Beiley, Janice Brown, Raymond & Donna L. Cole, Arthur Doubleday, Elsa Gallison, Sr., Jim Hall, Katherine & Andrew Hull, John K. & Kimberly M. Belcher, Jonathan N. & Kate Brownell, Lauren L. Coleman, Wilgar Dowd, Blance M. Gandin, Dan L. & Lerinda P. Hall, Velma Hunka, Ronald G. & Sylvia Belisle, David L. & Sandra Bryant & Dailey, Collins, William & Patricia S. Drapp, Edward Garcia, Alphonse G. Hamelin, Charles E. Hunt, Lester

Hurwitch, David & Terry A. Mudge, George C. Raymond , Robert M. (DBA P. Trepanier, Paul & Eldira Wheeler, Mark A. Hutchins, Gerald H. & Betty Lightfoot, William F. Mugford, Don G. & Richard Bob’s Auto Repair) Sorensen, Mary Tripp, Yvonne L. Wheeler, Vicky Hutchins, Shannon B. & Bruce Lincoln, Thomas B. F. Hutchins Reed, William Sorrentino, Alfonso Trudel, Leo L. & Julie-Ann White, Edward Hutchinson, Ann Lindberg, Steven Mullen, Carolyn & Mary Jane Reid, William Souppa, Jr., William & True, Gerald White, J. Edgar Ingalls, Jr., Glendon W. & Lindquist, Ernest A. Daly Remick, Enna Barbara W. Turcotte, F. M. White, Lloyd Judith Lisle, Scott & Consuelo P. Mullen (Estate of), Jeremiah Restelli, Stephen & Terry L. Sparks , Arnold Turner, Cecil E. White, Velma Irving, Marion R. Liss, Bryan Munro, Sarah Reynolds, Charles R. Sparrow, Herman L. Turner, Elizabeth M. White, Velma Jacques, Gerard M. Littlejohn, Cynthia & James Murphy, A. & D. Foster & J. Rice, Kevin & Donna M. Spaulding, Ruth M. Turner, Emma M. White, William J. Jamieson, Mahlon Lloyd, Daniel E. & Judith C. King Richardson , Robert & Lisa Spiers, Merrick J. & Cindy Tuz, Charles L. Whittemore, Charles L. Jewell, Adelaid R. Long, Richard K. & Roxie A. Murphy, Dennis Richer, Franklin Spoor, Jr., Ralph E. Uhouse, Martha & Joseph Wild, David Johnson, Patricia Lord, Marian B. Murphy, Harold A. Richmond, Janice B. Sportsmen, Jordan PD Ulrich, Charles Wild, Hazel B. Johnson, R. E. Lorden, Michael Murphy, James P. Ricker, Julie A. Stark, Carol C. Urcan, James Wilder, Allen M. & Eleanor Johnson, Scott Lorentzen, Doreen Murphy, Mark W. Ricker, Nancy Starr (Estate of), William H. Utt, Timothy & Sally Wiliams, Jr., William J. Johnson, Scott R. & Melinda Lovley, Peter L. & Deborah M. Murray, Maidene Rider, John Starti, William G. Vail, Edith Wilkinson, Dean Johnson, Jr., John E. Lowell, Neil Myers, Charles L. Riley, Thomas Stoeckel, Ronald Vance, Linda Willey, Douglas & Diane Jones, Robert W. Lucia, John J. & Marguerite Nadeau, Gregory P. & Lynn Ripley, Beverly A. Stratton, Robert L. Vanorman, Philip G. & Sandra Laferriere Jones, Robert W. & Joyce M. S. Ritter, Harold J. & Phyllis Stridsberg, Lawrence F. Willey, Marilyn & Kevin Jones, Robin A. Ludwig, Pamela D. Nergaard, Paul Robar, Jr., Frederick C. Stryker, Jon Verdon, Mario & Patricia Willey, Nelson Jones, Stephen H. Lunt, Dudley C. & Anna Neveau, Julie A. & Shirley Roberts, Jay C. & Maureen M. Stuart, Richard Vigeant, Michael & Claudette Williams, Brenda Jones, Stephen H. & Judith C. Lynch, Douglas W. Flood Roddy, Jr., Roger W. Subasic, Joe Viger, Christopher Williams, Douglas & Mary Jones, William B. MacAuley, James Nevens, Virginia Rogers, David A. & Lynne Z. Sullivan, C. Theresa Wachtel, Deborah Jane Joslyn, Sharon Machell’s Radio Supply, Newhall, David & Dorothy J. Rogers, Mildred R. Sweet, George R. & Terrie L. Wade, James M. & Leanna Williams, Harold H. Joukowsky, Artemis Mack, George L. Newman, Marilyn Rogers III, John M. Sweetser, Clyde C. Waits River Genl Store, Claire Williss, Ann Joyal, Pearl Mackenzie, James D. Newton, Grant Rollins, Barbara Szulc, Alfred V. & Lynda L. & Allen W. Gurney Wills, Craig E. Justice, Marjorie MacLaurin, Richard N. Nicely, Faye E. & Peter Rollins, Flossie Szymanski, Michael Waits River Genl Store, Willson, Bruce L. & Beryl M. Kalinowski, Franklin A. Madison, Stephen & Karen Nolli, Robert Rollins, Philip R. Taber, Ronald Thomas & Cheryl Whalen Wilson, Edward J. & Ilona P. Kass, Jacob Magoon, Stanton R. & North Country Auto Repair Romero, Jr., Jose L. Tanner, Ardith S. Walden General Store, Wilson, Robert J. Kaufman, Nancy Marjorie E. Inc. (Marshall Kling), Rooney, Robert L. Tassie, Priscilla Richard M. & Michelle Winner, Felicita M. Kay, James Maher, Jeffrey & Judith A. Norton, Jr., Everett kS. Rosa, Aldo Taylor, Theophilos Leighton Winters, Gloria R. Keeffe, Carolyn Mahoney, James B. & Debra Nye, Karl Rose, Robert C. Tellier, Raymond R. Waldie, Kevin L. Winters, Linda Keene, Helen E. & Harold P. Manavola, Joseph & Camille O’Brien, Robert J. Rossi, Jean M. Tenney, Carlton E. Waldo, Elaine B. Wiseman, Warren Kelly, Kevin & Christine C. Canova Olmstead, Nelson Roth, Juergen & K. Terry, Carlton P. & Wayne Wallace, Scott & Sue Ellen Witham, Nina A. Kelly, Maureen & Duane Mandel, Lisa O’Neill, Patrick Rowell, Jr., Francis E. A. Sr. Ward, Clayton Witham, Robert E. Dunbar Mangino, Joseph D. Oparowski, Thaddeus & Rueda, Richard A. & Shelley Tescher, Donald B. & Ward, David & Barbara F. Witham, Wendell Kervick, Paul K. Mangino, Sr., Albert Patricia MacAulay Margaret E. Ward, Diane Wojcik, Walter P. & Barbara Kilian, Jon Manning, Mitchell Ordway, Kelvin E. Ruiz, Constance Thibeault, Georgette Ward, Marion B. Kindestin, Joann F. Maple Corner Waters (E. O’Rear, Jay Russell, John Thivierge, Roger J. Washer, Robert H. & Cynthia Wood, Robert & Alyce Huestis Kinerson, Richard C. & Lois E. Holliday Kane), Ostrum, John P. Russell, Michael L. & Melodie Thomas, James H. J. Woodard, Charles A. Kinney, Wayne Marcotte, John A. Overstrom, Brenda A. Thompson, Helen Wassell, Eleanor P. Woodcock, Dwight Kittredge, Roy Mardin, Donna B. Pacini, Cecile A. Rutledge, Shirley A. Thompson, Jason Watkin, T. S. William Woods, Diane Klee, Karen Marsh, Esther C. Page, Elizabeth P. Sabin, Christopher & Sandra Thompson, Priscilla Watkins, Timothy P. Woods, Howard Kling, Marshal & Maurita Marsh, Marylou Page, Howard E. J. Thorne, Nicholas Watson, Christopher A. Woodward, Joanne M. Knapp, James E. & Marilyn M. Marshall, Michael L. & Shriley Page, Laura Salls (Estate of), Wilfreda J. Thorne, Philip G. Watson, Ethel L. Workspace, Inc., Knapp, Paul M. C. Paige, Diane J. Salomaa, Marjorie Thurston, Andrew S. Watson, Harold Worstus, Jr., John P. Knapp, Wyness F. Martell, Emeline Paige, June S. Saltimbocca, N. V. Thurston, Jason & Florence K. Weil, Florence Wright, Andrew Knowles, Richard Martell, Joseph Palmer, Richard A. & Vicky Sanborn, Richard & Ruth E. Thygesen, Sr., Ejnar A. & Welch, Austin A. & Dorothy F. Wright, David P. Knowles, Winston Martin, Curtis C. Lynn Sanville, Richard Ethel B. Welch, John & Carolyn Wright, Jeffrey F. & Susan Knox , William B. & M. Kate Masland, Chad Pape, Phil E. Sargent, Amy B. Tierney, Patricia Welch, Randy & Allison Wright, Virgil Barnhart Massey, Edward & Norma Pappalardo, Cheryl A. Sargent, Charles A. Tillberg, Harlan Welch, Raymond R. Wright, Virginia Kornblith, Polly Matte, George F. Paradise, Stephen & Gina Sarne, Peter P. & Cheryl L. Tillotson, Evelyn Welch, Stanley H. & Glendine Yarian, Stanley O. & Lucy Koss, Arnold J. Mattern, Cristine Parker, Cyrus E. Sassone, Rose T. Tillotson (Estate of), Shirley F. Yerly, Jan M. Kotulak, Katherine Mattote, Mark Parker, Douglas J. & Patricia Saunders, Robert & Roberta Tomaszewicz, David A. Welker, Glenn E. Young, Doreen & Stephen Kuehne, Darryl & Pamela Matz, Joseph D. & Carol A. S. Sawyer, Richard P. Towne, Bernadette Wells, Jan P. Young, J. Peter Stefanek Mayhew, Wanda Parker, Lola H. Schaffer, Stephen & Naomi M. Towne, John W. Wernicke, Joanne Young, Roland A. Kuglics, Wendy & Richard Mazzuchelli, Joseph A. Parker, Mariann Schan, Val & Flo Trask, Carolin E. Whalen, Tom Young, Jr., Edward Kumpf, Milton F. McAllister, Elwin Parker, Whitney F. & Burton Scheerer, Thomas Traynor, Robert J. & Eleonore Wheeler, Helen Labadie, Patricia McAuliffe, Paul C. B. Schile, G. J. & E. H. Treadway, Wade & Susan Wheeler, James LaCasse, Robert & Dianne McBridge, Christine Parrot, Kenneth Schmidt, Christel H. & Linda Lacey, Margie McCabe, Arthur J. Parry, Sr., John G. Schnaars, Henry A. & Mary LaClair, Charlene McCormish, Margaret Paterson, David H. & Beverly Chappas Ladd, Larry B. & Ann C. McCracken, Joann Paton, Julia A. Schober, Jr., Thomas E. Tangney McDanolds, Doris Payette, Lisa M. & Alan A. Schorger, Ann B. Ladd, Thurman McDonald, Deborah Pearson, Robert A. Schumacher, Michael Lafond, Stewart & Donna McFarland, Stephen J. Pecor, Robin A. Schwarz, Richard R. & Lafountain, Sr., Steven D. McGill, Charles H. & Shirley Pendleton, Ruth E. Sandra educing solid waste is a goal most WEC Lakatos, Peter H. Perkins, Howard E. Scott, Diane L. Lamb, Sr., Jonathan A. McLaughlin, Anna Perreault, Lawrence Scott, James F. & Kathy members can agree on. The Co-op reduces Lamson, Roger F. McLaughlin, Harold & Dona T. Perrin, William Scott, Laurette & Michael the wastestream’s harmful impact by collecting methane Landgmaid, Stephan McQueen, Raymond Perry, Duane M. Burnett R Landino, Henry A. McShane, James J. Perry , Ron & Evangeline H. Seaver, Lisa at the NEWS landfill in Coventry and using it generate electricity, Lane, Dennis A. Mears, Edgar Peterson, Susan M. Seften, Nola which avoids flaming this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. Lanphear, Doris H. Meech, George Pettibone, Mary Selby, Cleland E. In this space, we help Co-op members lessen the wastestream, Laplante, Bernard & Sharon Melanson, A. W. & Georgiana Phillips, Kenneth A. Senecal, Kenneth E. Larabee, Donald E. & Laura E. Pieper, Janice & Jashua J. Sense, E. with tips about recycling, composting, disposal of hazardous J. Sims Menard, Katherine Mamis Shangraw, Warren A. materials, and how to avoid generating some kinds of waste in Larabee, Robert A. Menard, Robert W. Pieper, Thomas P. & Laurie Sharf, Stephen the first place. Our information comes from the Central Vermont Larow, Bruce Mendes, Manuel R. & Sharon Pierce, Beverlee Shatney, Harry Larow, Gary A. Pierce, Linda R. Shatney, Sharon L. Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD.org) and other Larsson, Denis & Janisse Mercadante, John Pike Hill Auto Ser. Inc., Shepard of the Hills Lutheran sources. Readers can submit ideas or questions for Waste Not by Lash, Jonathan Mercadante, John & Barbara Pike, III, Philip R. Church, contacting Washington Electric Cooperative. Laundry, Reginald Merritt, Barry D. Pilbin, Ronald W. Shields, M. A. & B. P. (Shields Lawless, Rowena J. & Messer, Richard K. Pitkin, Royce S. Trust) Lawrence Morehouse Messier, Walter & Dorothy Pitkin (Estate of), Helen Shor, Betty Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are an energy-saving Lawliss, Harold Metayer, Christopher Platt, Dorothy A. Sicard, Donald & Velma alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs. They provide Lawton, Mary B. Mikishka, Sophie Pollitt, Thomas F. & Lauren G. Sicard, Susan D. Leach, Robert W. Miles, David B. Poor, Harriet H. Sicely, Grace M. good-quality lighting while consuming only about a third as much LeClair, Harriett Miller, Douglas & Denise Pope, Arthur Sidusky, John electricity as incandescent bulbs. Because they last up to 10 times LeClerc, Alain & Donna Miller, Iva Porter, Frederic W. Siegle, Andrew P. as long, they also reduce waste. Leggett, John I & Kathryn Mills, Ellen Potter, Sonya Silman, Jeffrey Olmsted Misiak, Ronald A. & Karen Powers, Sr., Roger J. Simard, Michael & Jeanette However, CFLs contain mercury and must therefore be treated Leland, Luise G. Mitchell, Douglas & Judith M. Prall, Bob & Nancy Lee Simpson, Danita as hazardous waste. Broken and spent fluorescent bulbs should Lemay, George E. Monteith, Joseph Pratt, Rebecca & Bruce R. Simpson, Steven & Gloria Lemieux, Jr., Lloyd E. Montpelier Woodworks Inc., Pratt, Stephen B. & Lisa J. Sleeper, Alfred be taken to a scheduled hazardous waste collection. Call your Lemnah, Leora Moodie, Inez Preble, W. J. Smiedy, Brenda L. solid waste management district, or find its website, for collection Lennehan, William Moore, Helen K. Pregent, Alice Smith, Daryl & Laurie schedules. Many area retailers also accept broken and discarded Lenz, Lillie & Michael Moore, Mavis Proulx, Annie Smith, David J. & Barbara J. McQuilken Moore, Pearl F. Prue, Arthur Smith, Eric CFLs. For free CFL recycling inquire at these True Value Lerner, Earl Moran, Cynthia J. Pryce, Steve Smith, Michael A. & Kathleen Hardware stores: Sticks and Stuff (Middlesex), Waterbury True Lever, Roger L. Morande, Maryann T. Purcell, Timothy A. Value, Kenyon’s (Waitsfield), Harry’s Hardware (Cabot), and St. J Lewicki, Lillian G. Mori, Donald F. Quinn, William & Louise G. Smith, Peter Lewis, Brian L. Morris, Nicky Raguseo, Angelo Smith, Richard M. & Tammy Hardware (St. Johnsbury). Additionally, Twin State Electric Supply Lewis, Janette C. Morris (Estate of), Richard Rainbow Trust, Smith, Sharon and Barre Electric Lighting & Supply may accept CFLs for a fee. Lewis, Joyce A. Morse, Lucille L. Ramsay, Scott J. Smith, Trent & Heidi Call these stores for details. Leytham, Thomas B. Moses, Jessie Randall, Raymond Smith, Wayne G. & Norma H. Liebenow, John D. & Kathryn Moulton, David & Carolyn E. Rasco, Sharlene M. Snyder, Marvin W. & Marabel

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Wind Power spent there an for the tower to Fenner, with only enough sporadic continued from page 3 irregular stream Over the hour bases had been wind to turn a few of the turbines at any of cars climbed we spent there graded over and one time. The turbines were certainly favorites” list, elephants and trains to the top from a stream of cars reseeded, and the large, but they were visually elegant, rounding it out. There has hardly been a both sides of climbed to the pastures and fields and we found the sight of the slow time when the turbines weren’t spinning the ridge, turned had been fenced. blade rotation (about once every 4-5 in his background. at the signpost, top of the ridge, Sheep and cattle seconds) to promote a sensation of Jason whizzed us through the back parked, and and spilled out grazed under the peacefulness – so much so that we streets with the speed and abandon spilled out drivers drivers with towers, seemingly spent more time there than we expected that only locals attempt, and we were with cameras cameras often unconcerned that and were reluctant to leave. At close soon crossing the Manawatu River and often ill-equipped ill-equipped to electricity was range, the only noise we could hear from climbing the ridge to the turbines. to capture any capture any being generated the turbines was a muffled mechanical The road to the top of the gorge perspective perspective of a person standing over their heads. sound. I would compare it to the noise reminded me of an uncle who had of a person I understood the you’d hear from a piece of farming remarked, about a similar winding road standing at the at the base of a tower-and- appeal that the equipment a couple of fields away. in Vermont, that the corners were so base of a tower- propeller combination 345 feet tall. place had for After a while, I realized it was coming sharp he could see his own taillights and-propeller — Wendell Cilley Jason and Quinn, from the motor-and-gear apparatus that in his mirror. I felt certain that between combination that is and I envied them moves each turbine assembly to keep searching for the turbines that went in 345 feet tall. the ability to visit it it facing into the wind. It was frequently and out of sight as we climbed, I could Located on a ridge above the whenever they wanted. overpowered by the intermittent sounds see glimpses of a taillight lens. I was Manawatu Gorge about six miles from When asked if there had been of car tires on pavement, flocks of also pretty certain that the turbines the city of 78,000 people, the 55 V72 opposition to developing the site, Jason chirping birds, crickets, and passing hadn’t arrived here over the road we Vestas turbines are scattered over 4.5 said that it had had its detractors. airplanes approaching the Syracuse were on. square miles of pastures and fields and “But we’d like to double the size airport. One turbine that appeared on first one placed where the predominantly westerly of it and generate more power than However, we didn’t feel that the light side then the other was turned “out of winds are channeled past them by two Palmerston uses,” Jason said, sounding winds that prevailed during our visit the wind,” stationary in spite of the wind mountain ranges and lower hills. The more and more like a potential co-op allowed for a fair evaluation, so we that blew harder as we climbed. Jason wind was blowing hard (“It blows harder member. stopped there again on our way back remarked that it must have still been some days,” according to Quinn), and several days later when the wind was waiting for repairs because it had been directly under the turbine was the only stronger. This time most of the turbines “out of the wind” when he and Quinn had place where you could even hear any Sounding Out were working consistently, but we didn’t been there the day before. Quinn and noise as the propeller approached the Wind in Fenner, notice any difference in the sound level. Jason make the trip to the wind farm, bottom of its rotation. Conversation was We had opportunities to chat with most often at Quinn’s request, at least difficult, not because of the turbines but New York two Fenner residents – one fellow in once a week. because of the wind howling across the a Cadillac on his way to play golf, and By Roger Fox The graveled parking lot at the top of ridge; moving to look in another direction a construction worker in the front yard the ridge has become a picnic/play area changed your hairstyle from one severe of his small home. Neither of them uring 2003 and 2004 I’d been for Quinn, who will occasionally opt just windswept look to another. expressed concern about the environ- hearing and reading various to sit and watch the blades revolving. The top of the ridge was majestic mental effects of the turbines; in fact, accusations about negative The Meridian website estimates that on its own, and the string of turbines D both commented completely indepen- impacts of large-scale wind power the wind farm draws an average of 400 visible up and down the ridge matched dently that they were “better than a development, but I had no first-hand visitors a day, and over the hour we that serene majesty. The excavations nuke plant,” and they indicated that only ability to assess their validity. The closest a small fraction of residents opposed sites with turbines comparable to those them. proposed for the UPC Sheffield project I did briefly get to see some shadows were at least a several-hour trek from cast by a turbine’s blades late in the Wendell Cilley WEC’s service area. However, early last afternoon, and it seemed to me that year I realized that the route my wife and someone unfamiliar with the sight I would be traveling to a summer family might momentarily mistake them for an gathering went near one of those sites, indistinguishable object moving quickly off the New York Thruway southeast of along the ground. On the other hand, Syracuse. We took advantage of that the construction worker observed that he opportunity to visit the Fenner Wind enjoyed watching the setting sun behind Farm. the turbine blades. Given the weather The town of Fenner is located on top and solar mechanics, it’s likely neither of of a high, long and steeply sloped east/ these visual effects would be observed west-oriented plateau off the Mohawk very frequently unless one went out River plain. Its terrain and development looking for them. pattern are somewhat similar to some Our exposure was limited, so I can’t towns in this part of Vermont – rolling hills, thinly settled with a mix of houses and mobile homes of varying quality and condition and fairly few commercial I wasn’t structures, interspersed with farms, expecting fields and woods. The two dozen wind to have a turbines occupy only a small part of this problem with geological formation; when the air is the turbines’ clear enough most of them can be seen from the Thruway several miles away, appearance, but it’s easy to miss them when you’re but I wanted not specifically looking for them. to experience I wasn’t expecting to have a problem them “up-close with the turbines’ appearance, but I and personal.” wanted to experience them “up-close I was more interested in how and personal.” I was interested in how they sounded, and the shadows they sounded, and the shadows they The Te Apiti wind farm, on the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest wind cast when the sun was low in the sky. they cast when the sun was low electric-generating facility in the Southern Hemisphere. It was hot and hazy when we got in the sky. — Roger Fox

to have my power being produced by I have often the power of the wind. I spend most of looked out the my work day in sight of that ridge line while I take advantage of so many of the Linda Gahne Fox glass doors of my milking treasures nature has to offer. I use the soil, the sun, the rainfall, the day and the parlor at the night. Why not the wind, too? ridge line of Mack Mountain, east of my barn, Gathering with thoughts of Informed Opinions how wonderful it would be to have my power By Barry Bernstein being produced by the power of s a board, your elected WEC the wind. directors made a commitment on — Roy Folsom Abehalf of our Co-op in the year Co-existence with wind turbines in Fenner, New York. The Fenner wind site was 2000 to include renewable energy as a developed on a plateau, near houses and farms. Vermont’s proposed sites are on Wind Farm, which is owned by Horizon significant part of our power mix. Our mountain ridges. Wind. The farm contains seven 1.65 criteria for considering possible sources Vestas V-166 turbines, yielding a total would be their affordability and reliability. vouch for the turbines’ impact under marvel of real beauty. It was spring time. project capacity of 11.5 megawatts. We also we wanted to purchase power different terrain and weather conditions. A local farmer was operating his tractor The turbine blades are 66 meters in that was generated as close to our home However, based on our observations near the tower. The landscape was diameter, and the towers are 225 feet area as possible; transporting power and conversations with these Fenner really peaceful. There was no noise. The high; the overall height (turbine and over long distances is both inefficient residents, I’d expect that while some wind was gentle and the turning blades blade) is 323 feet. and costly, plus we wanted to support people will be predisposed to judge almost hypnotizing, as they slowly turned The wind was blowing about 10 mph well-managed renewable energy proj- wind turbines offensive and some will to catch changes in the wind. They were during our visit, and the blades were ects that would contribute to Vermont’s find them attractive, the majority will really fun to watch. turning slowly. The closest turbine was local economy. be relatively indifferent, will just get The rows of towers reminded me less than 100 yards away. The other From the start, we believed wind- used to them, or will tolerate – or even of pictures of the great stone statues six were all in close sight. It was rather generated power would prove to be a embrace – them for their environmental on Easter Island looking out sea. quiet there and the sound seemed to be viable option for Vermont and for WEC, and economic benefits, understanding Those were monuments created for no greater than what we experience at and we had access to $940,000 of that the available alternatives are less a mysterious social purpose. The home sitting on our deck in the summer federal grant money which Rep. Bernie appealing. windmills, looking out over the hills evenings, when the wind blows through Sanders, helped secure for the Co-op in toward Lake Ontario and its nuclear the ten 60-foot tall spruce trees that 2001. We discussed a number of ways plant, are monuments dedicated to surround our home. we might leverage that money, such as: Wind in a Bucolic reducing reliance on fossil fuels and Since that time I have, on several buying into a wind project somewhere Setting slowing global warming. occasions, looked out the sliding glass in or near our service area; assisting a I drove around the site talking with doors of my milking parlor at the ridge wind developer whose project met our By Kimberly B. Cheney neighbors. They enjoyed the machines, line of Mack Mountain to the east of goals and criteria; or even installing and finding their technological gracefulness my barn, with thoughts of a half dozen operating a limited number of turbines visited the Fenner wind farm outside comforting. I came away convinced that of those 300-foot-tall turbines turning ourselves. As most members know, we of Syracuse, New York. The site has harnessing the wind is useful, peaceful, slowly in the breeze. My thoughts have Iabout 11 large turbines set among and has a beauty of its own. been ones of how wonderful it would be continued on page 8 farms and open ridges in a rural area. I first saw them as specks glinting in the sun on a hilltop from the New York Farming Nature’s Thruway, which was about 10 miles from Financial Co-ops at a Glance the site. Bounties redit unions as financial co-ops are succeeding The road to the site goes up a steep By Roy Folsom today with 85 million members in over 9,000 credit hill and winds around farms and houses. unions nationwide, 35 of which are right here in I expected some security perimeter with n December 2004 my wife Jackie C Vermont. Credit unions and their member-owned coop- chain link fences and the like, but there and I took a few days off to visit the erative initiatives were established in the 1800s by utiliz- were none. Anyone could have walked Finger Lakes area of New York with I ing the mentality of “people helping people” to succeed to the base of a tower. There was a five- a group of friends. We left Sunday morn- financially. That premise hasn’t changed! to 10-mile-an-hour wind. ing, and since we were in no hurry to get Credit unions are not-for-profit, which means they are in The first sight of a turbine was home decided to drive east on Route 20 business to focus solely on the needs of their member-owners. exhilarating. Above me on a hill about a instead of the New York Thruway. It was So what does that mean to you? If you want lower loan rates, higher savings mile away was a majestic silver, slowly a very scenic and relaxing drive. rates, or low to no fees, a financial cooperative – a credit union – can be a turning windmill. As I got closer, rather We had driven a couple hours better alternative to traditional banking models. than the ugly, noisy monstrosity that through mostly hilly farm country when, opponents complain of, I experienced upon rounding a hill to the south, I what I regarded as a technological noticed something on the distant hilltop. A Financial Cooperative: The Vermont State Employees It had begun to lightly snow, so the view Credit Union was a bit obscured, but I realized it was Don’t let the name make you turn away! The VSECU is a member-owned It was spring a wind turbine. and member-driven business with the ultimate goal of promoting individual time. A local We continued along and noticed more financial stability and growth for its members and other Vermonters. The name farmer was of them. As we got closer there was would imply that only state employees can join. But that’s no longer true. a secondary road that headed in that Credit unions can now serve community members. If you work or live in one of operating his these six counties you can choose to conduct your business with the Vermont tractor near direction, so I turned and headed up hill toward the towers. We passed several State Employees Credit Union and become a member-owner: Addison, the tower. The houses close to the tower area, which Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange or Washington. landscape was was basically a cow pasture. We drove If you would like to learn more about the benefits of doing business with peaceful. There until we came to a gate in the road. There the VSECU in person or online, visit a branch in Montpelier, Berlin, Rutland, was no noise. also was a very nice interpretive center Waterbury, Williston or Burlington, or visit www.vsecu.com. You can call the VSECU at 802/800 371-5162 during business hours. — Kim Cheney there that described the wind farm. We had come upon the Madison

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Wind Power wind turbines. address scarcity continued from page 7 “If something However, we One way to is to decrease goes wrong [at quickly run into solve problems consumption. eventually chose the middle alternative, Searsburg] I’m the question of of externalities There are two providing support for (but not taking an not going to have how to value the is to move the ways to decrease ownership position in) the Sheffield/ priceless notions benefits and consumption. Sutton project being proposed by UPC to evacuate,” of the sounds Increased efficiency Vermont Wind. said the and sights of the dis-benefits allows the consumer However, many of us on the board restaurant owner, natural world closer together: to do more with had not actually visited commercial wind an allusion to (which I will If you like the less. Conservation projects. To do our homework, and to be the nuclear plant address later in idea of wind is simply choosing able to honestly evaluate the contrasting approximately an equal distance my paper). power then go buy a wind to use less power. claims of wind opponents and proponents to the east. — Barry Bernstein Another way to generator and install it on your Both avenues are about the impacts of such projects, we solve problems of property. — Tim Guiles reasonable options needed first-hand experience. externalities is to for our society today. For me, that came in a trip in the continued to pass through the area. move the benefits If large consumers spring of 2005 with fellow board We hear objections and doomsday and dis-benefits closer together, so that could be encouraged and ultimately members Don Douglas and Tim Guiles scenarios from some people in Vermont to experience one you must experience convinced to lower their consumption to the Searsburg, Vermont, wind farm who have never lived near, operated a the other. With wind power this means to the average consumption levels, owned by Green Mountain Power. The business near, nor perhaps even seen a small-scale wind generation: if you like we could greatly reduce our need for project consists of 11 turbines, and wind turbine project. Your WEC directors the idea of wind power then go buy a electricity. began operation in 1997. It remains the continue to support wind as an important wind generator and install it on your As a society we should not build new only commercial wind-electric project in component of the state’s and the co-op’s property so that you use the bulk of its electric power plants to meet scarcity the state. energy future, and our visits to these power generation and you also see and caused by over-consumption. Traveling west on Route 9 from sites and conversations with people hear your wind turbine working. Some Brattleboro, we stopped at a restaurant who actually have had the experience of people have chosen this option and our Fundamental Human Rights which happened to be about halfway coexisting with them only confirms our society is developing guidelines for how Ultimately, if we solved externalities between Searsburg and the Vermont stance. to site small-scale wind generators in by having local power generation and Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon. residential settings. An added benefit of we reduced consumption significantly, We took the opportunity to ask the small-scale wind generation is that it is a we might reach the real question of how owner what he thought. Small-Scale Wind distributed power source, which means much power can be produced before The turbines weren’t visible from his and Distributed that electricity is made by many exceeding the threshold where restaurant, but like most people in the small producers rather than a basic human rights (to clean area he had seen them, and he said he Generation few large ones. air, clean water, and access to had no problem with their appearance (Another Opinion) There are many reasons the sights and sounds of the on the landscape. He mentioned that why distributed power natural world) are lost. To me, they had improved his business, with generation (DPG) is By Tim Guiles this is the most convincing visitors to the wind project often stopping desirable. Most people reason to oppose large-scale at his restaurant to eat. Significantly, do not know that it takes produce most of the electricity I use wind turbines: they degrade he also added, “And if something a significant amount of the natural environment to goes wrong with them I’m not going to at my home with solar power, and I electricity to move electricity Linda Gahne Fox intend to install a small wind turbine the extent that they violate have to evacuate” – an allusion to the I long distances. DPG individual rights to the natural nuclear plant approximately an equal to supplement my electricity supply allows the electricity to someday. I have visited Searsburg, environment. distance to the east, and the widespread be produced very close to My final statements on devastation that an accident there could a large-scale wind facility, twice, and where it is consumed. This have thought about many aspects of large-scale wind power are cause. is how my solar power works; that: 1) Production and When we got to the Searsburg site, wind power generation. Even though I when I am not using the full enjoyed my visits, and was fascinated consumption of wind power one of the things that impressed me amount of the electricity that my should be as close to each other the most was how quiet the windmills with the technology, in this essay I will solar panels are producing, the explain three reasons why I oppose as possible, which would be were. Searsburg doesn’t offer a direct excess automatically and safely goes easier with smaller wind turbines; comparison with the more-modern large-scale wind power generation on out on the power lines to my neighbors, ridgelines in Vermont. 2) Scarcity of electricity should be projects being proposed today; its to reduce the amount of electricity addressed through efficiency and conser- turbines are considerably smaller, being demanded from the large power vation, rather than more production; and are rated at 660 kilowatts, with a Externalities producers. 3) Personally, I like the way the large total rated capacity for the project of 6 An externality is an effect of a Another benefit of DPG is that the turbines look, though I don’t like the megawatts. If approved, the 26 turbines purchase or use decision by one set system of electricity generation becomes almost perpetual sound generated within at Sheffield, with a total rated capacity of parties on others who did not have more secure and reliable when there a half mile of the turbines, but I refuse of 52 MW, will likely produce 16-18 MW a choice and whose interests were not are many small producers rather than to impose my views of wind power on of power. But the noise factor, already taken into account. Externalities often a few large producers. Clearly, nuclear others who do not want large-scale wind negligible, would not be increased occur in our lives when the consumer of power generating facilities present huge turbines near where they live. because the newer turbines turn at 15 a product is separated from its producer. national security problems – the first of rpm – a much slower speed than those It is easy for a distant consumer to feel which is the potential for deadly radiation at Searsburg. We asked a woman who little or no responsibility for trivialized, releases, but the second is that so Marketplace lived about half mile from the site if noise local, negative effects of producing a many people mistakenly rely on a single from the wind farm disturbed her, and product. electricity source. FOR SALE: 1986 Yamaha Radian she said, “If it bothered me I wouldn’t be In the case of wind power, YX600 motorcycle; 9,000 miles, newly here.” She said she occasionally hears a externalities crop up when the people Scarcity inspected, runs great. No time to ride. swooshing sound. who experience the benefits of buying $1,000 firm. ALSO, fresh water fish The second issue that drives tank and all associated accessories, A GMP employee at the site told us clean electricity live far away from the the issue of large-scale wind power people who experience the dis-benefits including fish. Twenty-gallon high they had done surveys before and after generation is the concern that there is tank with hood, light and stand. Tank the windmills went up, and compared of generating that electricity. Most of the not enough electricity to go around. That people who use the electricity generated does not have any leaks. Enjoyed for the results. She said there had been scarcity creates many environmental many years, but interest is waning. No from a large-scale industrial wind turbine some local opposition to the project in and social problems. The potential for reasonable offer refused. Could be its planning stage, but in the post-instal- will never see or hear them. environmental degradation rises, and yours free with a good story. Leave a lation survey almost everyone around Large-scale wind power advocates economic disparity determines who message at 433-6170 (Williamstown) was supportive of it. She said there would like to address externalities by gets what they want (need?!?) and at any reasonable hour and we’ll get was no indication of any sustained economically compensating those who doesn’t. However, rather than back to you. disturbance of wildlife and that bears who are harmed by the presence of increase production, another way to

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