Public tours of Green Mountain Power’s Kingdom Community Wind project in Lowell have ended for the year, the company announced. About 1,200 individuals visited the project during June, July and August.
‘People were eager to see and hear an operating wind farm for themselves’ said Dorothy Schnure, GMP Corporate Spokesperson. ‘Every tour was filled to capacity, and we’ve started a waiting list for next year.’ Schnure said in a statement that visitors included elementary school students, senior citizens, and lots of families. Most of the visitors were from Vermont, but participants also came from other New England states, from New York, and from Quebec.
GMP reported on some of the testimonials. John Vear of Eden said he enjoyed his visit to the wind farm. ‘I think they did an excellent job cleaning up after the construction. All the new growth will be great for the wildlife up there’ he said. Vear also stated: ‘I was amazed at how quiet the turbines were. Everyone could hear the tour guide without her having to raise her voice.’
Mary Goderwis, president of Sutherland Welles Ltd and Phoenix Finishing of North Hyde Park brought six coworkers on a field trip to the turbines in July. ‘We were fascinated to see the finished project,’ she said. ‘It's beautifully maintained and we were all amazed at how quiet it was. The GMP employees who led the tour were very knowledgeable about the project which added so much to the experience.’
Trevor and Allison Wade of Stamford, Ct. attended the final tour of the year. ‘We weren’t sure what to expect,’ said Trevor. ‘Once we were up there, the turbines and the site were impressive. It was clear that the Company took a thoughtful and balanced approach in constructing renewable power. We appreciate the opportunity to visit the site and learn more about the project.’
Jason Boutin, owner of Cajun’s Snack Bar on Route 100 in Lowell said he noticed the increase in visitors to the community. ‘We definitely had more people stopping in for lunch on days that the tours were held,’ he said.
Green Mountain Power’s Certificate of Public Good restricts public tours to one day per week, June through August, to minimize the impact on wildlife in the area. The company is planning to offer public tours again in 2014. Schools, organizations and individuals wishing to make arrangements for tours will find more information on the Green Mountain Power website.
Kingdom Community Wind is owned by Green Mountain Power. The project has 21 Vestas 3 MW wind turbines, and is expected to produce enough electricity for 24,000 homes. It was commissioned in November, 2012.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.com) generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in the state of Vermont. The company, which serves more than 250,000 customers, intends to be the best small company in America.
Source: GMP 9.18.2013. Photo by vtdigger.org