Montpelier, Vermont - June 1, 2011
State utility regulators say an industrial sized wind farm is in the state's best interest. A major victory for the Kingdom Community Wind Project -- a joint effort of Green Mountain Power and the Vermont Electric Co-op.
"Well we're excited. the sun is shining the wind is blowing and it's a beautiful day for the State of Vermont," said GMP President, Mary Powell.
The 63 megawatt wind facility will consist of 21, 400 foot-tall turbines dotting the Lowell ridge line. Supporters say that in addition to supplying renewable energy to 20-thousand homes, the project will give the Northeast Kingdom and the state an economic boost.
"We're really thrilled, particularly with many of the comments that the Public Service Board made in their order citing the tremendous benefits, not just from an energy perspective but from an economic perspective," Powell said.
But opponents say a certificate of public good saddled with 42 conditions related to the construction and operation of the proposed project is hardly a resounding backing.
"We think that there are so many issues that still have to be determined, that it's not yet a done deal as far as whether or not this project will ultimately be viable," said Brice Simon with the Lowell Mountains Group.
"We anticipate that there will always be issues and challenges raised but we know that this project has the support of Vermonters," Mary Powell said.
Last year Lowell voters approved the plan. That, coupled with the go-ahead from the public service board, is making it harder for opponents who are concerned about noise disruption, habitat fragmentation and an aesthetic downfall -- But they're not giving up they're fight.
"There are issues that we may still seek to not only appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court but the there are other issues that we intend to bring back before the board," Simon said.
The 150-million dollar wind farm is not a done deal just yet. It's not clear if the laundry list of conditions will cause delays. The project needs approval from Vermont Electric co-ops 35-thousand members for 17 miles of transmission upgrades. That vote is set for July 26. If all goes as planned Green Mountain Power hopes to have the facility up and running by the fall of 2012.
Jennifer Reading - WCAX News
