ALBANY - Residents in Albany wanted to be told Wednesday that a wind turbine project in Lowell would mean cheaper electric power for them.

Dave Hallquist, Vermont Electric Cooperative CEO, would not promise that.

A $100 million wind project by Kingdom Community Wind on the Lowell ridge line might provide renewable power, helping VEC and Green Mountain Power fill out renewable energy portfolios, he said.

But it will not reduce electricity rates for co-op members, Hallquist said. Electricity prices are expected to climb across the U.S., even if utilities use renewable local sources, he said.

The electricity market has reached a point where demand is outstripping sources of power, driving up prices, Hallquist said.

Hallquist promised to make available information explaining electricity rates.

"There will not be any secrets," he said.

Every power source has some opposition, including wind and nuclear power, he said. GMP and VEC want to keep getting power from Vermont Yankee, Steve Terry of GMP said.

The utilities are required to find renewable energy sources.

The utilities have partnered with Lowell landowner Trip Wileman, owner of Kingdom Community Wind, to explore whether the ridge is a good location for 12 to 17 large turbines.

"Is it feasible? Will it work? Do people want it?" Terry asked.

GMP wants to know the answers to these questions before applying for any permits, he said.

"We're here tonight because we're your local utility. I want you folks to know what we're doing," Hallquist said. Lowell wind would "be generated locally and used locally."

VEC's board of directors is expected to hear in May from opponent Bill Stenger, co-owner of Jay Peak Resort. A prominent supporter will also speak, Hallquist said.

Most of the 40 residents Wednesday night said they want to vote on the idea.

Hallquist urged them to contact board members to ask for a vote.

Board member Susan Deuso of Eden Mills serves VEC District 8, which includes Albany, Craftsbury, Eden and Irasburg.

Priscilla Matten of Lowell serves District 4, which includes Lowell, Newport Town, Jay and Troy.

"We're out here to listen. We aren't going to the Public Service Board if towns don't want it," Hallquist said to scattered but loud applause.

Terry agreed.

"Candidly, we're not going to spend money if it turns out a lot of folks don't want it," he said.

The co-op and GMP are meeting this spring with boards of selectmen and residents in towns around Lowell. A regional meeting hosted by Northeastern Vermont Development Association is planned for early summer.

Scientific studies are underway, Martha Staskus of Vermont Environmental Research Associates said. They are looking for rare, threatened or endangered species, wetlands or wildlife that could be affected by a wind farm, she said.

Others will study wind impacts on birds, bats, noise, aesthetics and culture.

They are beginning the environmental assessment "to decide if this location is even possible," Staskus said.

The ridge line is perpendicular to the prevailing winds from the northwest, which average 16.5 mph.

"That's a very good resource," Staskus said.

They will seek permission from the Vermont Public Service Board to erect two new wind measurement towers. Earlier towers erected by an international wind company were taken down last year when Wileman decided to partner with Vermont companies instead.

Wileman has also insisted that only Vermonters be hired for the preparatory work, she said.

The utilities could apply for a certificate of public good early next year.

For information, go to www.kingdomcommunitywind.com.