But, in a presentation to the Chadron City Council, account representative Terry Rajwich emphasized the challenges involved in creating and using electricity from wind, and concluded that customers can find more savings by conserving power than by erecting small scale wind generators.
"It's not competitive with central power station (electricity),' Rajwich said in summarizing an analysis of the cost of a 10 kw wind turbine installed on a residence. "Conservation is generally simpler and will get a better payback."
In the presentation, which Rajwich credited to Max VanSliker of the South Central Public Power District, it was noted that Nebraska is considered to have the fifth or sixth greatest potential for wind power of any state. But, she said, there are significant barriers to moving the electricity to where it is needed, and no way to store it.
NPPD's first wind farm, near O'Neill, was put in operation in 2005, and has 36 turbines which can produce enough power annually for 19,000 homes. The project cost about $80 million, however, and in the first three years the turbines experienced significant mechanical problems, including cracked blades and failed gear boxes.
The company has two new wind farms planned, but is now minimizing its risk by contracting with other firms for the electricity, Rajwich said.
The example used for a small scale installation was based on a $46,000 installation cost, and a useful life of 20 years, with no maintenance. NPPD's analysis shows the cost of power from the unit at 60 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) at a wind speed of 10 miles per hour, and 18 cents per kwh at 16 mph. NPPD provides its customers electricity at about 8.5 cents per kwh, Rajwich said.
She concluded by noting that individuals can use the NPPD website, www.nppd.com, to calculate the savings they can obtain by adopting simple conservation measures such as using compact florescent light bulbs, installing thermo pane windows or buying energy efficient appliances.
In business items the council:
•approved a request from the Dawes County Historical Society to place three signs in town marking an historic trail that was used to haul supplies from Camp Robinson to Camp Sheridan and Pine Ridge in the 1870s and 1880s;
•approved surplusing property for sale at an auction on May 16 at 10 a.m. at the city shop building on East Niobrara. Included in the items to be sold are 37 bicycles;
•approved without discussion a policy on use of tasers by the police department. The policy has been reviewed by the city attorney, city manager and city insurance carrier, officials said.
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