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City To Probe Green Options |
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — The city’s electric supply could get a little greener in the coming years.
Members of the city electric/communication committee Monday agreed to investigate the possibility of exploring adding wind power to the city’s energy portfolio. Electric Superintendent Jerry Wolfe told committee members he received a letter from AMP Inc. gauging the city’s interest in solar and wind power.
“I would recommend that we indicate an interest of zero for solar and 3 megawatts for wind,” Wolfe said. “(That’s) 10 percent of our load.”
In a letter sent to St. Marys Mayor Greg Freewalt, Mack Thompson, of AMP Inc., said the cost of solar power could exceed $200 per megawatt, while wind could cost between $60 and $80 per megawatt. Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock agreed with expressing an interest in the 3 megawatts of wind and declining solar based upon its high cost.
“All we’re doing is saying we are interested,” Hitchcock said, noting any indication on the city’s part is nonbinding. “The efficiency of solar is not there. For wind, it’s at least worth exploring. With these prices, it may be worth looking into.”
Councilor Jim Harris cautioned against making a binding agreement until the issue could be studied further. Harris said information he has read indicates the availability of viable wind power could be declining.
“What I’ve been reading is some of these wind farms may not be economically viable,” Harris said. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 July 2009 )
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