The numbers sound good, but the details still need to be worked out regarding the state's new energy plan passed by the legislature this week.

Part of the plan includes a renewable energy standard, which at least one wind turbine developer had hoped for. Rick Wilson, project manager for Heritage Sustainable Energy, said the adopted standard that requires 10 percent of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2015 is "a good standard."

Questions remain as to how much of the burden of generating renewable energy will be taken on by the state's major electric companies compared to how much of it will be delegated to other companies.

"There will be a period of time during which they decide how to meet those mandated requirements," Wilson said.

Wilson said he felt his company has a head start compared to work in the area being done by either the utilities or other private companies.

Heritage has two wind turbines in place near McBain, which are expected to be fully operational by the end of the month. The company has hopes of building six more turbines in as soon as 18 months, with a total of as many as 25 over the next five years.

From what Wilson understands, the next step is for the Public Service Commission to draft guidelines by which the renewable portfolio standards will be met, and for the utilities to put out requests for proposals from other companies detailing their methods for meeting those standards.

"We have excellent relationships with all the major utilities, so we hope to find the appropriate mix so it's a win-win for everybody," Wilson said.