February 6, 2014
Alberta, Letters

Some problems remain with renewable energy

The Lethbridge Herald | February 6, 2014 | lethbridgeherald.com

In response to Mr. Quinlan’s letter of Jan. 23, about opposition to renewable energy, I do agree with most of what he said.

The country is using resources as fast as they are found, it seems, and few people seem willing to give up or even just use less of those resources. But, as with fracking, what about the problems coming to light from wind power?

Most people don’t realize there must be backup generators, on standby, should there be no wind. We will of course be paying for these in our power bills. What about the people who are forced to live near windmills and come down with various illnesses they didn’t have prior to the windmill installation?

One home owner experiences an effect like someone turning the house lights on and off many times every minute. This is caused by the blades’ rotation crossing between the home and the sun. I saw this effect in a documentary; it is very disconcerting as the sunlight flashes on and off in the house.

The companies putting up these windmills are reaping great profits, but how many jobs are really staying in the communities? And, how much money are these same communities really realizing? And why does it seem the companies act in so much secrecy? I have seen and read where these companies, when talking to land owners about putting windmills on their land, the owners must sign a nondisclosure agreement. Why?

Not too long ago in this very paper, a drilling company explained their violations as being caused by them wanting to start drilling as soon as possible and not complying first with all regulations; are we going to hear this from the wind companies next?

Frankly, I am beginning to find these forests of brobdingnagian towers not so nice to look at. Do we need renewable energy? Of course. But it would appear no one source is the answer. Until we get rid of nondisclosure documents, refusal to look at possible health problems that are being denied and secrecy, we all continue to be in the dark.

Robert Warren

Coaldale


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/06/some-problems-remain-with-renewable-energy/