Unaffordable power
The Orleans Record, orleanscountyrecord.com 4 April 2011The Orleans Record, orleanscountyrecord.com 4 April 2011
The Orleans Record, orleanscountyrecord.com 4 April 2011The Orleans Record, orleanscountyrecord.com 4 April 2011
The inclusion of wind power as part of Vermont’s energy portfolio is a self-deception ratepayers can’t afford. Wind power is one of the most expensive ways of generating electricity that requires an average 175 percent subsidy paid through higher electric bills.
Human power can’t turn the wind on and off when it’s wanted for electricity. Every bit of wind power must be backed up by another generating source. GE’s CEO Jeffrey Immelt argues “the customers want it, so it’s GE”s job to produce it.” Green is making money.
In Denmark the energy giants say wind power is “hot air.” They don’t believe wind will produce a significant source of power so coal-powered electricity will still be their largest supplier of energy. According to Denmark’s largest energy company, wind power is too unstable and expensive.
In Britain, the total power generated by 2,300 wind-turbines is less than that contributed by a single medium-sized conventional power station.
Politicians say windmills should be part of Vermont’s energy portfolio. Advocates say these farms will power x-thousand homes but in reality, based on wind intermittency, the farm will on average produce through the year only a quarter of its capacity. What is not stated is the huge hidden subsidy required to generate that power.
This wind scam diverts the real discussion that we need a reliable energy policy to keep our lights on. If this deception continues and energy supply fails to meet demands, it will be an inconceivable blunder of our age.
Frank Mazur
South Burlington, Vt.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/04/unaffordable-power/