Published 01/09/2009
Lowell, VT – Several local organizations are jointly exploring the possibility of building a wind facility in Lowell that could reliably provide enough locally-generated, carbon-free renewable electricity to meet the annual needs of 15,000 average Vermont households.

 Kingdom Community Wind (KCW), Vermont Electric Cooperative Inc. (VEC) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) are investigating the potential of building a 30 to 42 megawatt wind farm on 2.5 miles of ridgeline in Lowell, Vermont.  The project could consist of 12 to 17 modern wind turbines, each capable of generating more than one megawatt of power.  

Mary Powell, president and CEO of Green Mountain Power, said, “We are interested in exploring the potential of building this project because we know our customers want energy that is low cost, low in carbon emissions and reliable. Developing the project with Vermont owners would help to assure price stability for generations of Vermonters.”  

“VEC is very focused on our energy sources for the future,” said Dave Hallquist, CEO. “We know that our members want low emissions, low carbon footprint, and local generation. VEC is investigating Kingdom Community Wind because we feel it fits the criteria and meets our goals, although we also acknowledge members’ concerns for aesthetics,” added Hallquist. 

In the coming months, area Selectboards and Planning Commissions, VEC members, and local resident groups will have opportunities to discuss the project, express concerns, and get answers to questions.  Representatives of the three organizations have already begun meeting informally with local residents and the Lowell Selectboard to discuss the potential project. 

Trip Wileman, local resident and owner of the property where the turbines would be located, said, “By all early indications this appears to be an ideal location for wind generation, but obviously there is a lot more work that needs to be done before we know for sure." 

Kingdom Community Wind’s goal is to develop a facility by Vermonters to serve Vermonters. 

Environmental, engineering and other studies will be ongoing for several months, along with meetings and discussions with various regulatory agencies and interested parties.  One next step in gathering needed information will be to install two temporary wind measurement stations within the project area, as further wind data will enable the organizations to take full advantage of the technological advances incorporated in the latest generation of wind turbines.  Approval for these towers will be sought from the Vermont Public Service Board.

As the development effort moves forward, in addition to area meetings, Kingdom Community Wind will continue to provide information as it becomes available through periodic factsheets and postings to the Project’s website, www.kingdomcommunitywind.com, which will be operational in the coming weeks. 

For additional information please contact:
Dorothy Schnure
Green Mountain Power
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802-655-8418 

Dave Hallquist
Vermont Electric Cooperative
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802-730-1138 

Martha Staskus
Vermont Environmental Research Associates
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802-244-7522 

Trip Wileman
Kingdom Community Wind
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