Wind Power News: Montana
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.
New 5-0 Republican majority on PSC may bring new direction
HELENA – When the new, all-Republican state Public Service Commission convenes next Monday, the regulatory body will chart a different path, members say – and likely choose a new chairman. “I think we need a little bit of a change of direction in the PSC,” says Commissioner-elect Bob Lake, R-Hamilton. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have run for it.” Incoming and current members say those changes will be a PSC that presses hard for the lowest-cost energy, regardless of whether . . .
Canadian regulators approve MATL project
Canadian utility regulators have given the Montana Alberta Tie Line (MATL) the go ahead, bringing the project just months away from completion. The 300 megawatt transmission line will connect Canadian power grid to Montana with a line running from Lethbridge, Alberta to Great Falls. The structural work is all finished and crews will now be stringing the final conductors in Montana. Enbridge Government & Public Relations Consultant Darryl James says it’s an exciting time for the company. “The Alberta Utilities . . .
Montana Land Board approves Keystone lease
The board also gave the backers of the Montana-Alberta Tie Line some final easements needed across state land in north-central Montana to complete its project. The company told the board that it could be done in the first half of next year.
Schweitzer lauded the project as a key component to the state’s development of wind energy.
Renewable theology vs. economic reality, Part 2
The economic consequence of making a product that costs more to produce than its market value is universally accepted, except for “green energy” products. The success or failure of renewable energy companies is determined by their success at lobbying government and campaign donations. It is a working business model, but it is best to have an exit plan. Like all European Union members, Spain is mandated to produce 20 percent of its energy from “green” sources (Montana has a 15 . . .
Wind farm won’t move forward until year’s end – Eight turbines proposed for Anaconda’s C Hill
ANACONDA — The fate of a controversial wind farm proposed atop Anaconda’s C Hill remains on hold until at least the end of the year. NorthWestern Energy continues to evaluate the project — one of about 30 proposals submitted from across the state — as the company seeks up to 45 megawatts in renewable generation from two or three community-owned developments. If selected, the wind farm at C Hill would consist of eight, 400-foot tall turbines generating 19.2 megawatts of . . .
Renewable theology trumps economic reality
Four years ago candidate Barack Obama promised cheering crowds that coloring America’s energy delivery system shades of green would be painful. The promise was half kept. It has been painful. No one discussed a green energy transformation on the campaign trail in other than a passing manner. In their race for the U.S. Senate, Denny Rehberg and Jon Tester both promised support for extension of the Production Tax Credit (each time a wind blade rotates, the national debt is increased) . . .
Truth has been revealed on jobs, wind power, CO2
We are all familiar with the children’s tale, “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” the fleecing of a kingdom by swindlers who offer a new royal wardrobe better than all others. Only the worthy can see. And even though it can’t be seen, no one will admit not seeing it, thereby being unworthy. “Just keep paying us, trust us, it is beautiful. No it is not done yet. It is superb, we just need more tax dollars or all work will cease . . .
Anaconda wind farm a bad idea
I read an article that doesn’t bode well for the good citizens of Anaconda. Apparently, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Exergy Integrated Systems and Northwestern Energy are in the proposal stage of a huge, unsightly wind farm project here. According to news reports, the proposed 45-megawatt wind farm could power 6,000 homes in the area. Eight wind turbines could be built on top of the C-Hill in Anaconda. The wind turbines would be over 400 feet tall and would overlook the world’s . . .
Wind farm proposed for Anaconda’s C Hill – Turbine towers would be about as high as the famous stack
ANACONDA – A wind farm atop Anaconda’s C Hill could inch closer to development if NorthWestern Energy likes what it sees out of the project proposal. The county, in conjunction with local partners Pintler Power LLC and Exergy Integrated Systems, is exploring the possibility of installing eight wind turbines that would generate 19.2 megawatts of electricity on the hill over the south side of town. Exergy submitted its proposal to NorthWestern Energy Aug. 28. The utility is seeking up to . . .
Wind farms ruining beautiful Montana scenery
I was born and raised in Wheatland County and I agree with Tom Hayden. Somehow they must put a stop to the wind farms. They are not only a risk to the wildlife, but they are ruining some of the most beautiful scenery in Montana. When I drive from Harlo to Lewistown and look out to the mountains where my dad was born, it makes me sick to see those ugly windmills. My dad must turn in his grave to . . .
