Sparks fly at county over wind energy

The proposed county partnership aimed at building two wind turbines in Mount Vernon Township was discussed Tuesday, when questions from County Board member Marcia Ward generated gavel banging and a bit of controversy.

The plans, which have been in the works since 2005, were on the table with a new contract with developer Juhl Wind Inc. This $3.6 million contract would add an ownership model on which the county would spend about $20,000 in initial costs with private investors covering the rest. For the first ten years the deal would be split with private investors owning 99 percent and the county owning one; after ten years the deal would flip with the county owning 90 percent of the turbines.

The turbines are expected to power an estimated 600 homes annually, and can connect to the current electrical grid with Xcel Energy. The added load wouldn't require any electrical line upgrades.

But Ward questioned the location of the proposed turbines, suggesting that other locations in the county might be better. She said that she hasn't had enough site-specific information or questions answered to make a good decision. She said that a number of constituents had contacted her with doubts about the plans and location, and questioned whether bids ought to be let on the contract.

Chair Dwayne Voegeli was visibly hot over the criticism, and said that Ward's questions had been answered repeatedly. "This can be delayed to death," he said.

Since the project began, it's been delayed for a number of reasons. The state's Department of Commerce donated some meteorological towers to measure wind data for two years, only to find they weren't working correctly after the two years were nearly up.

But Economic Development Authority Director Linda Grover said that the location of the turbines was a result of a study released in 2006 which showed the Mount Vernon area a good spot for higher wind. She said that that study was site-specific enough to warrant moving ahead with the plans. That study, said Grover, was based on 40-year trends and showed that the capacity for wind generation at that site is 40 percent -- at the top of the turbine trend, according to the Department of Energy.

That, coupled with its proximity to Xcel Energy substations and willing landowners, said Grover, made the location a good pick.

Another delay that had substantial impacts, said Grover, is the relatively small size of the project. With only two turbines and a booming wind energy industry, the county's small order had fallen through with its initial manufacturer.

Now, with federal production tax credits available to the private investors, the project needs to get on the ground by 2009.

The first step will be in approving the contract with Juhl Inc., then ordering the turbines and getting the wheels turning. The county will have to get a Conditional Use Permit for one of the towers and will likely face a public hearing early next year.

County Attorney Chuck MacLean said he had a few problems with the contract as it was presented Tuesday. He will amend that contract and the County Board will hold a special meeting on November 13 at 3 p.m.

But before that contract is approved, several commissioners will sit down with Grover and Juhl reps to discuss the details, including Ward and Commissioner Jim Pomeroy. That meeting was scheduled for Wednesday morning, after press time.