Insurance industry lacks turbine policies
www.southcoasttoday.com 3 April 2012
Massachusetts is allowing commercial wind turbines through the Green Communities Act. In some cases, like Fairhaven, Fall River and Falmouth, these turbines are as high as the Statue of Liberty.
Setbacks are new to commercial insurance companies. The insurance companies currently set rates for distance to fire hydrants, distance to fire stations, residential rates, commercial rates, etc.
If you called your local town’s commercial insurance agent today about commercial wind turbines, they would tell you your home isn’t near a wind turbine and refer you the local town bylaw.
Commercial insurance rates are a valid consideration, and one that ought to be examined, especially by taxpayers who will be directly affected by the turbines, which will include coverage within the blade throw, ice throw, fire, lightning, environmental spill hazards, noise, health, etc.
Actuaries for the insurance companies will be using your own town’s legal setbacks for the exposure to commercial wind turbines.
As the state moves forward, Massachusetts residents within the commercial wind turbine zone should be advised how to insure against a commercial wind turbine and tower.
It should be mandatory that all cities and towns have some form of Errors & Omissions insurance or umbrella liability to cover claims from turbine nuisance/damage claims.
Frank Haggerty
Mattapoisett
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/04/03/insurance-industry-lacks-turbine-policies/