The Kingdom Community Wind technical hearings began at the Vermont Public Service Board Thursday. Over the course of the next few weeks, approximately 50 witnesses will be questioned by parties to the case and by Public Service Board members. The Lowell project would be Vermont's largest wind energy development. Up to 21 towers will be constructed, with a capacity of up to 63 megawatts. The project will generate enough electricity to serve 20,000 Vermont homes. All the electricity will be sold to customers of Green Mountain Power and members of Vermont Electric Coop.
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The town of Lowell overwhelmingly supported the project in a vote taken last year. Opposition to the wind turbines has come mostly from neighbors and others who argue that the 410-foot towers on the ridgeline will ruin the aesthetics of the rural area and could negatively impact adjacent property values. They are also concerned with the impact on wildlife from the construction and maintenance of roads and from the noise generated by the turbines.
Mary Powell, president and chief executive officer of Green Mountain Power, was one of the first witnesses at the PSB hearing. She explained why GMP is pursuing the Kingdom Community Wind project in Lowell. Powell commented that Kingdom Community Wind is one of the most cost-effective ways Green Mountain Power can deliver clean renewable energy for its customers and for customers of Vermont Electric Coop.
Powell also discussed how Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric Cooperative worked collaboratively with the community exploring the pros and cons of a wind project. On whether or not to move forward on the project, she explained that GMP agreed to abide by a vote of the citizens of Lowell. In a vote held last March, 75 percent supported the project moving forward.
Robert Dostis of Green Mountain Power testified regarding the Good Neighbor Fund that Green Mountain Power established to ensure neighboring communities benefitted economically from the project. The fund demonstrates GMP’s commitment to share the economic benefits beyond the town of Lowell, which will host the plant. Dostis pointed out that the idea was included in the energy plan of The Northeast Vermont Development Association and was something that was raised at public meetings in neighboring towns. Towns receiving payment from the Good Neighbor Fund are Albany, Craftsbury, Eden, Irasburg, and Westfield.
Artist renderings courtesy: Kingdom Community Wind, http://www.kingdomcommunitywind.com/