Dave Gallagher

Jul. 29, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Bellingham-based Cascade Community Wind Company LLC has received a grant of $47,975 from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program, for the construction of a community wind turbine.

The turbine is a Vestas V19, 100kW turbine which has a 60-foot diameter rotor, is on an 80-foot monopole tower and will produce enough power for about 45 energy-efficient homes. The turbine is expected to cost $250,000 to install.

The turbine will be located in Kittitas County near Ellensburg, and is planned to be completed this summer.

"This has been a long and arduous process," said Terry Meyer owner of CCWC. "But a process that will lead the way for future community projects to generate clean energy from renewable sources."

Community wind allows people in the region to buy a subscription to the output of a local wind turbine, according to a company press release. As the wind turbine produces energy over the coming two decades, owners of the subscriptions will offset the electricity consumption of their home or business.

For a single upfront payment, a homeowner or business anywhere in the state can be powered by one of these turbines for the next 20 years, receiving green energy benefits as well as power bill savings. Renewable energy credits can also be purchased separately for 'greening' events, or to achieve net zero energy usage.

CCWC has plans for future community wind turbines in other counties as well. For information, call 360-306-5331, e-mail info@cascadecommunitywind.com, or visit CascadeCommunityWind.com.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269. Visit his business blog online at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or get updates on Twitter at twitter.com/BhamHeraldBiz.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0233-47447728