Wind turbines increasing in popularity in Bannock County

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Story Published: Jul 7, 2009 at 4:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2009 at 5:29 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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BANNOCK COUNTY - Wind is growing in popularity in Bannock County.

In the last few months, County Commissioners have seen a big jump in the number of people wanting to put up residential wind turbines, and the county may soon make the process easier. Randy Chandler, Bannock County resident said, "I've been kind of kicking the idea around for five or six years."

This simple red flag marks the spot where Chandler plans to put up his 51 foot residential wind turbine. Chandler, "Whatever we can do to help."

But it may be a while before the turbine starts helping him on his utility bill. "They figure it takes six or seven years depending on your usage, and the wind, and everything to see any substantial repay from it," said Chandler.

Even though it's not a quick way to save money, Chandler was one of three people that had their conditional use permits for a tower approved on the same night.

County leaders believe rising energy costs, and some tax incentives are driving the recent interest. Steve Ernst, Bannock County Planner said, "Certainly in the rural areas where your lots are larger, much more spacing between houses and that we may see a fair share of these."

With the increased number of applicants, County Commissioners are looking to make the process easier.

The proposed streamlined process would no longer require a public hearing to approve a turbine of 65 feet or less. Ernst said, "The impact of those is fairly small."

So far there hasn't been much criticism of the proposed turbines, and the county is hoping that neighbors will be able to work things out if disagreements surface in the future.

If someone wanted to install a larger commercial wind turbine they would still need to go through the longer application process, but there haven't been any groups interested in building a wind farm in Bannock County.

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