Category Archives: Wind

WINDHAM — A company that wants to set up three wind-testing towers in Vermont says the state’s opposition relies on “unpersuasive and troubling” logic.
Atlantic Wind requested a certificate of public good from the Department of Public Service to erect three meteorological testing towers — two in Windham and one in Grafton. The towers could be the precursor to Windham County’s first commercial wind turbine site.
The department said the construction was contrary to local regulations.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports Atlantic Wind said the department’s recent decision could impede development of energy across Vermont by giving towns too much authority in the permitting process.
Windham’s town plan bans commercial wind turbines.

WINDHAM — The Vermont Department of Public Service is opposing construction of wind testing towers in Windham as contrary to town regulations.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports that the agency’s objection does not end the process. The state’s Public Service Board must rule on the Atlantic Wind LLC’s proposal.
Atlantic Wind requested a certificate of public good from the state to erect three meteorological testing towers — two in Windham and one in Grafton. The towers could be the precursor to Windham County’s first commercial wind turbine site.
Grafton officials have not taken a position request, but Windham officials have argued that the town plan prohibits wind development. Atlantic Wind argues the plan is advisory only.

HUBBARDTON — Residents voted to prohibit the construction of commercial wind on the town’s ridgeline at a special town meeting Wednesday night.
By a vote of 94 to 6, Hubbardton residents voted against the article on industrial wind, a measure by town officials to strenghen its position against the construction of industrial and commercial wind turbines on the ridgelines east of the town.
Select Board Chairman Mike Wetmore said in a phone message the special meeting had a pretty good turn out for such a small town and that they are pleased with the results.
The town’s vote against wind project comes several months after the Hubbardton Select Board voted against the proposed 20-turbine wind project proposed by Reunion Power on the Grandpa’s Ridgeline.
Although the town officials from the other three towns — West Rutland, Castleton and Pittsford — included the proposed project site have also voted against the project, the town of Hubbardton is the only one to hold a townwide vote on the issue.

MONTPELIER — A developer considering a wind power project in a remote area of Vermont’s Essex County says it will drop its plans in any community that votes against the project — after it has a chance to present its proposal.
Jack Kenworthy of New Hampshire-based Seneca Mountain Wind says Seneca will honor the vote if it happens after the company has made a detailed presentation of its plans for the town.
Kenworthy tells the Burlington Free Press Seneca has leased hilltops that could accommodate up to 35 turbines. It currently is seeking state approval to set up wind-measuring towers.
Communities under consideration are Newark, Ferdinand and Island Pond. Some residents have supported the wind farm, others are petitioning against it.