Windy Ways Whistling Toward Fairhaven

Fairhaven is well on its way to wind power.

The proposal calls for two Vestas V82 turbines, each tower measuring 262 feet to the hub. Each rotor is 269 feet in diameter. The towers would produce electricity for the commercial grid and help power the water treatment plant. CCI has estimated the towers could save the town at least $50,000 per year. Powering the facility costs about $360,000 a year.

One point of concern:

CCI is proposing the smaller turbines because they are the only ones readily available and will enable the company to benefit from federal renewable energy tax credits that expire at the end of 2007, Mr. Sweeney said.

These tax credits must be extended, especially given the fact communities are starting to look into wind power as a viable option.