MANCHESTER — Wildlife experts will be advising the Planning Commission about the implications of proposed wind turbines for the region's bat population, which includes two endangered species.

"There's not a lot of history and that's one of the things that confounds the issues," said Dave Lamont of the Vermont Department of Public Service about the issue of economic impact on towns.

Young announces plan to restore company's financial strength

Growing interest in wind power has led to six new wind farm proposals in Vermont and at least five wind farms now being constructed or under discussion in New Hampshire. In Maine, at least two projects are facing reviews

The Public Service Department has supported the four-turbine East Haven demonstration project despite statements from Gov. James Douglas in favor of small, residential windmills over the larger commercial models.

SHEFFIELD – Officials behind a major wind project proposed here unveiled more details of their plans Thursday evening, meeting with the planning commission as required by the state law that regulates energy projects. Massachusetts-based UPC Wind Management presented the update, bringing in its president, power sales director, project manager, lawyer, publicist and environmental consultant. They were joined by Avram Patt, general manager of East Montpelier-based Washington Electric Co-op.

New England is possessed of much talent but looses a considerable portion of it to other states due to the regions relative weakness in providing for a reasonable priced cost of living even though taxes do not appear to be a competitive disadvantage to New England.

Planning Commission Chairman Brian Keefe had his hands full keeping the overflow audience from drifting away from the siting issue. Many wanted to discuss questions of aesthetics or the merits of wind power. Keefe explained that there would be at least two or three meetings to discuss those other issues.

SHEFFIELD -- UPC Vermont Wind brought out its big guns Thursday night to present the company's development plans to the Sheffield Planning Commission.

Planning Commission Chairman Brian Keefe had his hands full keeping the overflow audience from drifting away from the siting issue. Many wanted to discuss questions of aesthetics or the merits of wind power. Keefe explained that there would be at least two or three meetings to discuss those other issues.

READSBORO — Officials from the two towns most affected by a proposed wind facility met on Wednesday night to discuss the economic impacts of a 30-turbine development.

The Readsboro and Searsburg Select Boards met in the Central School gym to discuss the financial benefits and strains that can be expected by a town hosting a wind farm. Robert Ide of the Vermont Department of Public Service attended, as did about 10 residents. Searsburg is now the home of the state's only existing commercial wind facility. There are 11 turbines producing about 6 megawatts of electricity. A 30- to 45-megawatt plant with 20 to 30 new turbines has been proposed for ridgelines spanning both Readsboro and Searsburg.

UPC Wind Management Development hired Burlington-based Spike Advertising to create a print advertisement blitz, to gather supporters by going door-to-door handing out "fact sheets," and to form a "Friends of Sheffield Wind Farm" grassroots support group to talk to neighbors.

New England faces major near-term challenges in all parts of its energy infrastructure including natural gas facilities, electric transmission lines and electric power generation, according to a report released today by the New England Energy Alliance.