Wind Power News: Connecticut
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Appeal of windfarms’ approval proceeds in New Britain court
COLEBROOK — A citizens’ group appeal of two mini-wind farms in town is moving ahead in court. A New Britain Superior Court judge upheld the legality of FairwindCT’s appeal this week, according to the group’s lawyer, Nicholas Harding of Hartford. Judge Henry S. Cohn opened a hearing on the case Monday. The hearing is an opportunity for the judge to ask questions and clarify information he has from the parties involved, Harding said. FairwindCT is opposed to the development of . . .
New England transmission debated as generation additions continue
New England’s policies supporting building increased renewable generation is underpinning pressure to invest in new transmission infrastructure in the region, with advocates for new power lines saying the projects will boost employment and alleviate existing high regional electricity costs. Each of the six states in the New England region has “some form” of renewable energy portfolio standard, the organizers of the New England Clean Energy Transmission Summit held this week in Boston, said. Those state policies align with federal policies . . .
New rules could boost New England renewable power
New England is decidedly short on coal mines and oil wells, but electricity grid watchers say a recent federal order could help the region finally unlock the power in the energy sources it does have. A federal order issued last fall is intended to make it easier to construct transmission lines, costly and controversial projects that are notoriously tough to build. More wires are badly needed in New England to connect customers to the region’s often remote sources of renewable . . .
City moves forward with green energy plans
BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport is getting greener, little by little. Solar panels and an electric-car charger are coming to the city. A wind turbine may also be in the future. The City Council recently approved a state-funded project to put solar panels on two Bridgeport schools — Blackham School and Central High School. The solar panels will generate at least 10 percent of the power used by the schools. The project will be bid out in mid-February and the panels will . . .
Connecticut changes course, will review utilities merger
Connecticut regulators are throwing a potential new short-circuit into Boston-based NStar [NST]’s proposed $4.7 billion merger with Connecticut’s Northeast Utilities. The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority — which had previously ruled that it didn’t have jurisdiction over the deal — reversed itself today and tentatively decided the merger needs the agency’s approval after all. The decision means the deal, which Massachusetts regulators have already been scrutinizing for a year, will face a separate review by Connecticut officials. However, NStar and . . .
Colebrook First Selectman challenger advocates transparency, accountability
The Truss family moved to Colebrook six years ago, in part because of its rural character. But the approval of two wind farms in the primarily residential town — one of which will be across the street from the Truss household — spurred Truss into action. According to Truss, “The whiole thing was completed behind the scenes,” pointing towards the lack of any discussion of the turbines in Board of Selectmen minutes.
“That just speaks volumes for everyone in town,” Truss said.
Siting Council holds forum on wind energy rules
NEW BRITAIN — The Connecticut Siting Council asked the public to outline what they want new wind project regulations to look like last Thursday. The afternoon forum, which attracted only six speakers, is the first step in creating rules on where new wind turbines can be built. The council faces a June 2012 deadline. It plans to release draft regulations in December. The council quashed BNE Energy’s effort to erect turbines in Prospect, but approved its petitions to install six . . .
Wind energy regulations earn OK in Stonington
Stonington – The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a regulation Tuesday night that will allow property owners to install small wind energy systems if they meet certain requirements. The proposal was submitted by resident Julia Roberts, who has said the town has numerous large properties that would be appropriate for the smaller systems. These systems supply power to individual homes through traditional towers with rotating blades or the newer helix-shaped systems. Roberts sought approval for the wind systems because, she . . .
Colebrook group opposed to wind turbines has fundraiser
COLEBROOK — The first fundraiser for FairwindCT, the group appealing the Connecticut Siting Council’s decision to allow the construction of six wind turbines in the southwest corner of town, drew plenty of local support Sunday. As of late Sunday, Fairwind President Joyce Hemingson said the group had raised more than $15,000 through its silent auction at Rock Hall Luxe Lodging at 19 Rock Hall, just down the street from where three of the turbines would be built. Hemingson said the . . .
Yes, Colebrook, there is a choice
If you think property taxes are high now, just wait. The industrial wind turbine fiasco set off by the town officials, who initially approved the “temporary” meteorological tower without informing residents of what was to come, will certainly have a negative impact on town property taxes. There is no mention of the industrial turbines in any Selectman meeting minutes. How can that be? The town Selectman didn’t think this project important enough to discuss and share with residents? Or didn’t they want to let us know ahead of their decision?
