Private Wind Energy
By: Joe Griffin
Updated: September 2, 2008
Southwestern Electric Supply Company is only days away from plugging into wind power.Theresa Jeffreys decided to install a 40 foot turbine in her company's parking lot after looking at her energy bill.
"There's no reason why we couldn't have one to take care of our electricity bill," said Jeffreys.
The turbine is designed to generate power and supplement a portion of the power generated by surrounding energy providers like Excel and Lubbock Power and Light.
Jeffreys said she will know how much savings the $13,000 turbine will generate this time next year.
Arlen Simpson of South Plains Wind Power has installed three turbines in Lubbock County. This latest is the first in Lubbock.
"It's not something everybody is used to, but the idea is new here," said Simpson. "It's going to be upcoming."
As the law stands, turbines are restricted by city codes.
Safety factors and height restrictions are points that keep them out of residential areas. SW Electric's is in a commercial zone and does not face as much scrutiny.
Councilman Todd Klein of District 3 said he applauds the idea and hopes that as technology moves along, turbines may be able to be used along with solar energy in residential areas within the city limits.
