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Wind Power News: Kentucky
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational mission to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law. The original articles, links to which are provided, may have additional links and photos and other media that were not included here.
Can wind turbines blow away Tri-State weather warnings?
When clouds turn dark and storm sirens blare, Doppler radar keeps spinning. It tells meteorologists what’s happening in the center of severe storms. Everyone in the Tri-State, including the Eyewitness News weather team, relies on Doppler to look ahead and issue warnings. But what if there was something blocking the eye in the sky? When it comes to turbines, there is never enough wind. But there is some worry about a proposed E.ON Energy wind farm in Posey and Gibson . . . Complete story »
TVA gets community feedback on electricity generation
TVA doesn't plan to build any wind turbines in its region, however. Hydas cited the imminent expiration of the federal production tax credit, which will be phased out completely by 2024. "In the mid-2020s, after the tax credit expires, wind is about 40 percent more expensive than solar," Hydas said. "Solar is better for our system." Complete story »
Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency looking at wind, solar power
The board of directors of the Frankfort Plant Board heard an update at Tuesday’s regular meeting on their new energy-purchasing group’s moves toward adding renewable sources to its portfolio. Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KyMEA), which the plant board voted 3-2 to sign on to in August, is developing a plan for a request for proposal that would add renewable energy resources to the list of KyMEA power providers. Vent Foster, FPB assistant general manager of operations, said KyMEA consultants and . . . Complete story »


Appalachian Power seeks proposals for up to 150-MW of wind power
Appalachian Power has issued pre-qualification documents for parties interested in bidding on an up-coming Request for Proposal (RFP) for up to 150 MW of wind power. The utility provider currently has one million customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is a unit of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., and delivers electricity to nearly 5.4 million customers through 223,000 miles of distribution lines in 11 states. The RFP will . . . Complete story »


A state-by-state look at renewable energy requirements
Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have requirements that utilities get a certain amount of their electricity from renewable sources. Nine additional states have goals for renewable energy, while a dozen others have no targets. A state-by-state look at renewable energy policies. ALABAMA No renewable energy standard. ALASKA A bill passed in 2010 sets a goal, but not a requirement, for Alaska to receive half its electricity from renewable and alternative energy sources by 2025. ARIZONA Public utilities must . . . Complete story »
Mason County Judge-Executive candidates on the issues
Mason County Judge-Executive candidates were sent a series of questions dealing with issues the county has or likely will face. Candidates responding to the questions include incumbent Democrat James L. “Buddy” Gallenstein and challenger Independent Joe Pfeffer. WIND FARMS Both NextEra and Duke Energy have abandoned plans for wind farm development in Mason County. There are currently no plans – at least of which we are aware – for wind energy development. As a post mortem on what became very . . . Complete story »
Done deal: wind turbine ban approved
After 16 months of debate and public meetings, large-scale industrial wind turbines have been officially banned by Mason County commissioners. The action came Tuesday at a special meeting of Mason County Fiscal Court. During the meeting, the 26-page ordinance was given final approval to restrict large-scale turbines from any area of the county other than heavy industrial zones. Those heavy industrial zones are located in the areas of East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s Spurlock station and the Carmeuse Lime and Stone . . . Complete story »
City officials vote to ban wind turbines
City commissioners fell in line with county officials and members of the Mason County Joint Planning Commission when they took the first vote Thursday to ban large scale industrial wind turbines, except in rural industrial zones. The first reading of the ordinance took place during the Maysville Board of Commissioners meeting; the second reading of the ordinance will take place in October. The vote was unanimous, however, commissioners Judy Pfeffer and Victor McKay went on the record to say while . . . Complete story »
Wind energy ordinance moves forward
The first step has been taken by county officials to ban industrial wind turbines from Mason County. After months of discussion and listening to concerned citizens, Wind Energy Ordinance 14-09 had its first reading Tuesday during Mason County Fiscal Court. The ordinance must undergo a second reading and vote before it becomes official within the county. That vote is expected to take place at a special meeting on Sept. 30. The 26-page ordinance is based upon the facts and findings . . . Complete story »


Interstate wind transmission project gets key federal approval
The proposed 700-mile power line to bring Oklahoma wind energy 700 miles to Tennessee has received a key federal approval, the company behind the transmission project reported Tuesday. Plains and Eastern Clean Line LLC has gained approval to sell transmission service to customers at negotiated rates and to negotiate agreements for 100 percent of the line’s capacity. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave approval for the project that hopes to deliver 3,500 megawatts of wind power from the Oklahoma Panhandle . . . Complete story »