McHenry County Blog

A location needs two things to support windmills:

• Wind
• High power lines

I don’t know if there is adequate wind blowing past the Huntley School District 158 Administrative Building, but there are certainly high power lines.

Electric company Com Ed, of course, makes it as difficult as possible to get wind mills off the ground.

But it might be possible. And the expert in the area for schools is David Ulm. He’s right next door in District 300.

= = = = =
The windmills you see above were seen in Idaho.

McHenry County Blog has been exploring wind energy possibilities.

Our first story pointed out that it is virtually non-existent in the Northern Illinois:

The next two stories (Quest-1, Quest-2) told of District 300 Energy Management Coordinator David Ulm’s efforts to bring windmill electricity to his school district:

So, why does Ulm think there is potential?

“Hampshire High School exists in trough that runs from Iowa Northeast across Illinois. One of them we happen to sit right in the middle of. That’s why we can produce 87% in a 3-month study.

“Gilberts lies on Route 72 just west of Dundee. Jacobs has potential.

“(Windmills) now need 7 mile an hour winds and can produce at 3. Now you are producing very little, but you are producing.”

How far north does this trough go?

“All of McHenry County,” Ulm said.

Here is a map that shows wind potential as well as electric transmission lines:

You will note the transmission lines that run north of Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake west to Rockford.

The lines near the intersection of Routes 176 and 47 are the ones that the gas generated peaker plant turbine companies want to build their plants.

You remember, the ones that would suck up the ground water we are running short of for drinking purposes. Just like ethanol plants would.

The high power lines run right next to Huntley School District 158′s Square Barn Road Campus.

Look at the drifting of snow on Raffle Road near the new Woodstock North High School.

Think a windmill might work on that site?

I also asked about neighborhood objections in Hampshire.

“No one has come forward with regard to our putting one near the high school,” he replied.

“I got permission from the (Hampshire) village board back in October of ’07. I got permission from the school board in Nov. ’07.”

Clearly, David Ulm is not your typical hesitant government employee.

How high are the windmills?

“The test is 150 feet.

The utility grade windmill?

“370 feet.

“Same size as Paw Paw.”

= = = = =
On top you see a storage field for wind turbine blades between Bloomington and Decatur on Interstate 39. It was taken last June on the way to the Republican State Convention.

Next is a broad brush wind speed map with a box containing information about what colors mean what.

Below that is a picture taken January 27, 2009, of snow drifting across Raffle Road north of Woodstock. Woodstock North High School is seen at the upper left of the horizon.

At the bottom of the article is the wind farm near Paw Paw, Illinois, on Interstate 39.

The turbines are certainly not as ugly as the high power lines.

Click to enlarge any image.

McHenry County Blog has been exploring wind energy possibilities.

Our first story pointed out that it is virtually non-existent in the Northern Illinois:

The next two stories (Quest-1, Quest-2) told of District 300 Energy Management Coordinator David Ulm’s efforts to bring windmill electricity to his school district:

So, why does Ulm think there is potential?

“Hampshire High School exists in trough that runs from Iowa Northeast across Illinois. One of them we happen to sit right in the middle of. That’s why we can produce 87% in a 3-month study.

“Gilberts lies on Route 72 just west of Dundee. Jacobs has potential.

“(Windmills) now need 7 mile an hour winds and can produce at 3. Now you are producing very little, but you are producing.”

How far north does this trough go?

“All of McHenry County,” Ulm said.

Here is a map that shows wind potential as well as electric transmission lines:

You will note the transmission lines that run north of Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake west to Rockford.

The lines near the intersection of Routes 176 and 47 are the ones that the gas generated peaker plant turbine companies want to build their plants.

You remember, the ones that would suck up the ground water we are running short of for drinking purposes. Just like ethanol plants would.

The high power lines run right next to Huntley School District 158′s Square Barn Road Campus.

Look at the drifting of snow on Raffle Road near the new Woodstock North High School.

Think a windmill might work on that site?

I also asked about neighborhood objections in Hampshire.

“No one has come forward with regard to our putting one near the high school,” he replied.

“I got permission from the (Hampshire) village board back in October of ’07. I got permission from the school board in Nov. ’07.”

Clearly, David Ulm is not your typical hesitant government employee.

How high are the windmills?

“The test is 150 feet.

The utility grade windmill?

“370 feet.

“Same size as Paw Paw.”

= = = = =
On top you see a storage field for wind turbine blades between Bloomington and Decatur on Interstate 39. It was taken last June on the way to the Republican State Convention.

Next is a broad brush wind speed map with a box containing information about what colors mean what.

Below that is a picture taken January 27, 2009, of snow drifting across Raffle Road north of Woodstock. Woodstock North High School is seen at the upper left of the horizon.

At the bottom of the article is the wind farm near Paw Paw, Illinois, on Interstate 39.

The turbines are certainly not as ugly as the high power lines.

Click to enlarge any image.

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog outlined printed the first half of David Ulm’s quest to produce Carpentersville District 300′s electricity from windmills.

Today we look at how he proposes to pay for it.

“We’re ready to move as soon as our Met (Meteorological) Tower results come in next November.

“Under the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICEF), we received $30,000 to do this test” Ulm said.

“At the end of the 12 months, we will then apply to them for a grant to get a tower. They will only give grants based on a 12-month study.

“We are confident we would gain enough information in a 3-month period to move forward,” but Ulm told me that the rules of the ICEF require a 12-month test.

“The tower went up in Nov. It shows we could support a tower out there. For the first three months we are 87%.”

Nevertheless, Ulm takes a conservative approach.

“We are talking about a $6 million project and I’m not about to waste any taxpayers’ money.”

Ulm explained that the Foundation will provide about 10% of the project’s cost.

“The ICCF grant might amount to as much as 10%, $600,000,” he said.

Then, he pointed out what that would mean to District 300:

“The interest on a $6 million bond over ten years is not equal to $600,000.”

But the bonds would be structured so that the savings would pay them back, even if it took more than ten year.

So, maybe free money.

And, what if District 300 decides to build a wind farm somewhere?

“Since each windmill costs $5-6 million,” Ulm said, “with economies of scale, if we were to install 5 or 6 on one site, we’d probably be looking at $30 million.

“Assuming at 80% efficiency, we’d be looking at a 15 year payback.”

And how would that be financed?

“The new stimulus package is available online. There are quite a few grants available for school district construction and infrastructure improvements and there is a line in there that Dr. (Cheryl) Crates found that shows interest bond money.

“There are currently Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB). Those have been around since 2006. $200 million for 2006, $400 million part of the farm bill in 2007. They threw it in under the stimulus bill of 2008–$400 million.

“First come, first served.

“We could get it interest free because the lender would get a tax credit equal to what the interest would be. It’s a ‘zero interest’ loan.

“There’s plenty of ways to go.”

But to get the electricity to schools in Carpentersville, Dundee, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, etc., use of Commonwealth Edison’s transmission lines would be necessary and less restrictive state laws are needed. (See story yesterday.)

= = = = =
David Olm, Carpentersville School District 300′s Energy Management Coordinator is seen on the upper right. Part of the Paw Paw wind farm is below, seen the day the tornado crossed I-39 shortly before we reached here. Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates is seen near the bottom of the article.

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog outlined printed the first half of David Ulm’s quest to produce Carpentersville District 300′s electricity from windmills.

Today we look at how he proposes to pay for it.

“We’re ready to move as soon as our Met (Meteorological) Tower results come in next November.

“Under the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICEF), we received $30,000 to do this test” Ulm said.

“At the end of the 12 months, we will then apply to them for a grant to get a tower. They will only give grants based on a 12-month study.

“We are confident we would gain enough information in a 3-month period to move forward,” but Ulm told me that the rules of the ICEF require a 12-month test.

“The tower went up in Nov. It shows we could support a tower out there. For the first three months we are 87%.”

Nevertheless, Ulm takes a conservative approach.

“We are talking about a $6 million project and I’m not about to waste any taxpayers’ money.”

Ulm explained that the Foundation will provide about 10% of the project’s cost.

“The ICCF grant might amount to as much as 10%, $600,000,” he said.

Then, he pointed out what that would mean to District 300:

“The interest on a $6 million bond over ten years is not equal to $600,000.”

But the bonds would be structured so that the savings would pay them back, even if it took more than ten year.

So, maybe free money.

And, what if District 300 decides to build a wind farm somewhere?

“Since each windmill costs $5-6 million,” Ulm said, “with economies of scale, if we were to install 5 or 6 on one site, we’d probably be looking at $30 million.

“Assuming at 80% efficiency, we’d be looking at a 15 year payback.”

And how would that be financed?

“The new stimulus package is available online. There are quite a few grants available for school district construction and infrastructure improvements and there is a line in there that Dr. (Cheryl) Crates found that shows interest bond money.

“There are currently Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB). Those have been around since 2006. $200 million for 2006, $400 million part of the farm bill in 2007. They threw it in under the stimulus bill of 2008–$400 million.

“First come, first served.

“We could get it interest free because the lender would get a tax credit equal to what the interest would be. It’s a ‘zero interest’ loan.

“There’s plenty of ways to go.”

But to get the electricity to schools in Carpentersville, Dundee, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, etc., use of Commonwealth Edison’s transmission lines would be necessary and less restrictive state laws are needed. (See story yesterday.)

= = = = =
David Olm, Carpentersville School District 300′s Energy Management Coordinator is seen on the upper right. Part of the Paw Paw wind farm is below, seen the day the tornado crossed I-39 shortly before we reached here. Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates is seen near the bottom of the article.

Starting my quest to learn what’s up in windmill electrical generation was Carpentersville School District 300′s efforts in Hampshire.

So far wind is not even making a dent in the territory served by Commonwealth Edison.

“They don’t want us producing our own electricity,” District 300 Energy Czar told me.

And why would the company want it to?

No reason, because a Com Ed affiliate generates electric energy from other sources. Think nuclear power.

Why pose even the tiniest threat by agreeing to make it easier for wind generated electricity?

First schools, community colleges and county governments and cities would get their feet in the door, next anyone might build a windmill.

Talking to Ulm, I learned of one impediment that could easily be solved with a change in state law.

“Existing legislation says they may negotiate,” Ulm said.

“’Oh, that’s nice. No thanks,’” Ulm suggested would be Com Ed’s reply.

District 300 State Rep. Fred Crespo’s House Bill 6660 might do the trick. It was introduced too late for action last year, but will undoubtedly be brought back for a serious effort this year.

The bill would require Com Ed and other utilities to provide what is called “aggregate net-metering” for schools and other local governmental entities.

“That would allow us to get that credit for offsite usage, Ulm explained. “What we want is for that credit to be applied to ALL of our other accounts.” Now, “excess energy created at Hampshire High School will only be credited for the HHS account.”

That would mean a school district like 300 could hook one or more windmills into the power grid and be given credit for the power they generate by windmill.

If, during a windy time of year—think the last three months—more power was generated than used by the government or governments involved in an intergovernmental agreement, credit would have to be given for power delivered by Com Ed in slack times.

When I was in the General Assembly, I went through wars between hydroelectric producers and Com Ed and predict there will be a really good fight.

Having the active support of newly-sworn in and Citizens Utility Board instigator Governor Pat Quinn, along with the re-energized desire for energy independence, might sway enough votes for passage.

The Hampshire High School-Gary Wright Elementary site is large enough for one windmill, Ulm says.

“We have a peak demand of 1.1 megawatts. Looking at a 1.5 megawatt wind generator, at maximum, we would be generating 80-85 percent of the capacity of the turbine.”

Passage of “aggregate net-metering” legislation would allow District 300 to build more, perhaps the five or six other wind mils that would allow the district to be electric energy self-sufficient.

“We spend in the district roughly $3 million on electricity. If we could secure a site (or sites) that would allow 5-6 1.5 mg watt wind turbines, we could produce enough electricity to power the entire district,” Ulm told me.

Under current law, District 300 would be required to sting it own electric wires from any such windmills to each of its far-flung schools.

It seems pretty obvious that Com ed would not make that easy and would probably make it too expensive to work.

Gilberts Elementary School and Jacobs High School have possibilities, Ulm suggested.

The transmission problem does not exist at the Hampshire site.

“We’re sizing it to handle the power for the two schools on that site,” Ulm said.
100 acres. Gary Wright Elementary and Hampshire High School have a peak demand of 1.1 megawatts.

“We’re looking at a 1.5 megawatt wind generator. At maximum, we would be generating 80-85 percent the capacity of the turbine. Even with net aggregate metering, we don’t have room at that site for more than one windmill.”

But that means District 300 thinks it does not need a change in state law to make a windmill work at its Hampshire site.

And the financing?

Read tomorrow’s article.

= = = = =
District 300′s Energy Czar David Ulm is seen on top. The wind farm is near Paw Paw, Illinois. The photo of Governor Pat Quinn was taken right after he was sworn in. The swinging temporary traffic lights at at Harnish Drive and Randall Road this windy winter.

Starting my quest to learn what’s up in windmill electrical generation was Carpentersville School District 300′s efforts in Hampshire.

So far wind is not even making a dent in the territory served by Commonwealth Edison.

“They don’t want us producing our own electricity,” District 300 Energy Czar told me.

And why would the company want it to?

No reason, because a Com Ed affiliate generates electric energy from other sources. Think nuclear power.

Why pose even the tiniest threat by agreeing to make it easier for wind generated electricity?

First schools, community colleges and county governments and cities would get their feet in the door, next anyone might build a windmill.

Talking to Ulm, I learned of one impediment that could easily be solved with a change in state law.

“Existing legislation says they may negotiate,” Ulm said.

“’Oh, that’s nice. No thanks,’” Ulm suggested would be Com Ed’s reply.

District 300 State Rep. Fred Crespo’s House Bill 6660 might do the trick. It was introduced too late for action last year, but will undoubtedly be brought back for a serious effort this year.

The bill would require Com Ed and other utilities to provide what is called “aggregate net-metering” for schools and other local governmental entities.

“That would allow us to get that credit for offsite usage, Ulm explained. “What we want is for that credit to be applied to ALL of our other accounts.” Now, “excess energy created at Hampshire High School will only be credited for the HHS account.”

That would mean a school district like 300 could hook one or more windmills into the power grid and be given credit for the power they generate by windmill.

If, during a windy time of year—think the last three months—more power was generated than used by the government or governments involved in an intergovernmental agreement, credit would have to be given for power delivered by Com Ed in slack times.

When I was in the General Assembly, I went through wars between hydroelectric producers and Com Ed and predict there will be a really good fight.

Having the active support of newly-sworn in and Citizens Utility Board instigator Governor Pat Quinn, along with the re-energized desire for energy independence, might sway enough votes for passage.

The Hampshire High School-Gary Wright Elementary site is large enough for one windmill, Ulm says.

“We have a peak demand of 1.1 megawatts. Looking at a 1.5 megawatt wind generator, at maximum, we would be generating 80-85 percent of the capacity of the turbine.”

Passage of “aggregate net-metering” legislation would allow District 300 to build more, perhaps the five or six other wind mils that would allow the district to be electric energy self-sufficient.

“We spend in the district roughly $3 million on electricity. If we could secure a site (or sites) that would allow 5-6 1.5 mg watt wind turbines, we could produce enough electricity to power the entire district,” Ulm told me.

Under current law, District 300 would be required to sting it own electric wires from any such windmills to each of its far-flung schools.

It seems pretty obvious that Com ed would not make that easy and would probably make it too expensive to work.

Gilberts Elementary School and Jacobs High School have possibilities, Ulm suggested.

The transmission problem does not exist at the Hampshire site.

“We’re sizing it to handle the power for the two schools on that site,” Ulm said.
100 acres. Gary Wright Elementary and Hampshire High School have a peak demand of 1.1 megawatts.

“We’re looking at a 1.5 megawatt wind generator. At maximum, we would be generating 80-85 percent the capacity of the turbine. Even with net aggregate metering, we don’t have room at that site for more than one windmill.”

But that means District 300 thinks it does not need a change in state law to make a windmill work at its Hampshire site.

And the financing?

Read tomorrow’s article.

= = = = =
District 300′s Energy Czar David Ulm is seen on top. The wind farm is near Paw Paw, Illinois. The photo of Governor Pat Quinn was taken right after he was sworn in. The swinging temporary traffic lights at at Harnish Drive and Randall Road this windy winter.

This is the fourth in my reporting on what happened at District 300’s legislative breakfast held on Monday morning.

Tom Hey, the assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction, explained that the district’s past financial problems had left little time “to focus on why we’re really here.”

He reiterated Supt. Ken Arndt’s comments that “grads and parents expect more of us and we will produce more for you…

“More students are learning more in District 300 than every before.”

He explained “our focus for the next few years will be on our high schools. ACT scores are not where we want them to be. While we have had increases, last year we had a slip in the cumulative (average).”

He promoted the goal of introducing more technology into the classroom.

State Rep. Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) told a bit of “The Women’s Tour” last year.

One of the comments from someone in an older school:

”We think we need in our classroom more than one electrical outlet.”

Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates told of how the district applied for one of the 3-year 2% technology loans, but “we didn’t get a penny.”

The tech guy, whose name I may run into later, said something interesting:

”We thought we might get the $30 million by then to be able to pay it back.”

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) told of how well McHenry County’s leasing of its computers is working.

Eric Willard, Technology Director, was skeptical that it would work in District 300.

David Ulm is the energy conservation man for the district. He recounted how he, his staff and Johnson Controls have tried to save energy while keeping in mind the comfort of the children. He pits building against building and awards are given at an annual picnic.

= = = = =
On top is Tom Hey, District 300′s assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction. State Rep. Ruth Munson is the top head shot. The district’s Chief Financial Officer, Cheryl Crates is seen on the left side of the screen. State Rep. Mike Tryon is making a point with Board President Joe Stevens in the background. The photo on the bottom is of David Ulm, District 300 Energy Management Coordinator.

This is the fourth in my reporting on what happened at District 300’s legislative breakfast held on Monday morning.

Tom Hey, the assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction, explained that the district’s past financial problems had left little time “to focus on why we’re really here.”

He reiterated Supt. Ken Arndt’s comments that “grads and parents expect more of us and we will produce more for you…

“More students are learning more in District 300 than every before.”

He explained “our focus for the next few years will be on our high schools. ACT scores are not where we want them to be. While we have had increases, last year we had a slip in the cumulative (average).”

He promoted the goal of introducing more technology into the classroom.

State Rep. Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) told a bit of “The Women’s Tour” last year.

One of the comments from someone in an older school:

”We think we need in our classroom more than one electrical outlet.”

Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates told of how the district applied for one of the 3-year 2% technology loans, but “we didn’t get a penny.”

The tech guy, whose name I may run into later, said something interesting:

”We thought we might get the $30 million by then to be able to pay it back.”

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) told of how well McHenry County’s leasing of its computers is working.

Eric Willard, Technology Director, was skeptical that it would work in District 300.

David Ulm is the energy conservation man for the district. He recounted how he, his staff and Johnson Controls have tried to save energy while keeping in mind the comfort of the children. He pits building against building and awards are given at an annual picnic.

= = = = =
On top is Tom Hey, District 300′s assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction. State Rep. Ruth Munson is the top head shot. The district’s Chief Financial Officer, Cheryl Crates is seen on the left side of the screen. State Rep. Mike Tryon is making a point with Board President Joe Stevens in the background. The photo on the bottom is of David Ulm, District 300 Energy Management Coordinator.