For two decades, the capacity factor of wind power measuring the mean energy delivered by wind turbines has been assumed at 35% of the name plate capacity. Yet, the mean realized value for Europe over the last five years is closer to 21% thus making levelized cost 66% higher than previously thought. We document this discrepancy and offer rationalizations, emphasizing the long term variations of wind speeds. We conclude with the consequences of the capacity factor miscalculation and some policy recommendations. Click on the link below to download the full document.

This motion was filed with the Vermont Public Service Board on Sep 22, the day hearings were to begin for the Deerfield Wind LLC proposal. Deerfield Wind LLC is seeking to erect 15 industrial scale wind turbines in the Green Mountain National Forest. In response, the Vermont Public Service Board ordered that the hearings be rescheduled to December 1, 2008.

The Deerfield Wind Energy facility is the first wind plant to be proposed for US National Forest lands. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement released by the US Forest Service can be accessed by clicking on the link(s) below. Comments will be accepted through until the end of November 2008.

The NY Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the joint Petition of Iberdrola, S.A., Energy East Corporation, RGS Energy Group, Inc., Green Acquisition Capital, Inc., New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation for the acquisition of Energy East Corporation by Iberdrola, S.A. (CASE 07-M-0906). The order as issued by the PSC can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

Energy expert Glenn Schleede provides a concise explanation as to why Iberdrola's promised investment of $2 billion in NY "wind farms" will not deliver the type of economic boom envisioned by New York politicians and media leaders.

Cavanaugh Tocci Associates (CTA) was hired by the Town of Clayton NY to review the noise analysis prepared by Iberdrola/PPM for the Clayton wind farm project. CTA's report was delivered to the town on February 15, 2008 but refused by the Town Board with objections that the report was too technical. CTA was asked to prepare an executive summary of their report. The executive summary of the report can be accessed by clicking on the link below. To date, the town has refused to release the full CTA report to the residents of Clayton or to the Planning Board.

The Vermont Public Service Board has issued an order regarding violation of a 2003 Certificate of Public Good issued to enXco authorizing construction of two wind measurement towers ("met towers") on Lowell Mountain. The CPG required that the towers be removed within five years of the date of the CPG. The order detailing the violation and subsequent agreements is listed below.

Energy expert Glenn Schleede provides an important analysis on why Iberdrola is insisting it continue to own "wind farms" in NY should it gain approval to acquire Energy East and its electric and gas distribution subsidiaries. Mr. Schleede explains the risks to New York's taxpayers and electric customers if Iberdrola get what it wants.

This paper documents the results of an in-field test at the Maple Ridge wind energy facility in New York to determine the effectiveness of using an experimental acoustic bat deterrent to reduce bat mortality. The executive summary excerpted below suggests the results were inconclusive. Most bat experts remain unconvinced that acoustic deterrence will be a suitable mitigation approach to reduce bat fatalities at existing turbines.