McHenry County Blog

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.

My windmill watcher has reminded me of the following fact:

Commonwealth Edison gets less than 1% of its electricity from wind.

In fact, the twelve-month summary from Com Ed shows ZERO from wind. (Click to enlarge the table or the pie chart below.)

Here’s a pie chart that tells the tale:

According to a ICC resolution adopted in Jul 2007 “…Renewable Portfolio Standard should be set as follows:

• 2% of the bundled retail load should be obtained from renewable energy resources as defined below in 2007,
• 3% in 2008
• 4% in 2009
• 5% in 2010
• 6% in 2011
• 7% in 2012
• 8% in 2013

Looks like Com Ed is at 2%–1% biomass and 1% hydro.

The law says Illinois wind first. There isn’t enough to meet that criteria of 4%. They have to make up the difference by purchasing

An article in Springfield’s State Journal-Register about a new wind farm on I-55 near Lincoln says,

“Illinois gets less than 2 percent of its electricity from wind.”

Does this sound like something our new governor, Pat Quinn will promote or what?

My windmill watcher has reminded me of the following fact:

Commonwealth Edison gets less than 1% of its electricity from wind.

In fact, the twelve-month summary from Com Ed shows ZERO from wind. (Click to enlarge the table or the pie chart below.)

Here’s a pie chart that tells the tale:

According to a ICC resolution adopted in Jul 2007 “…Renewable Portfolio Standard should be set as follows:

• 2% of the bundled retail load should be obtained from renewable energy resources as defined below in 2007,
• 3% in 2008
• 4% in 2009
• 5% in 2010
• 6% in 2011
• 7% in 2012
• 8% in 2013

Looks like Com Ed is at 2%–1% biomass and 1% hydro.

The law says Illinois wind first. There isn’t enough to meet that criteria of 4%. They have to make up the difference by purchasing

An article in Springfield’s State Journal-Register about a new wind farm on I-55 near Lincoln says,

“Illinois gets less than 2 percent of its electricity from wind.”

Does this sound like something our new governor, Pat Quinn will promote or what?

Enclosed in my October electric bill was an “Environmental Disclosure Information” report from Com Ed for the last twelve months.

When I looked at Com Ed’s sources of electricity, I found that only 1% comes from wind mills.

The biggie, of course, is nuclear power at 58%.

Next is coal at 32%.

4% came from natural gas. Peaker plants, I would imagine.

Also coming in at 1% were hydro and biomass power.

Alternative power sources obviously does not have a high priority for our electric company.

= = = = =
The windmills you see at on Interstate 39 near Paw Paw, Illinois. The photo was taken last June 7th on the way to the Illinois Republican State Convention in Decatur.

Enclosed in my October electric bill was an “Environmental Disclosure Information” report from Com Ed for the last twelve months.

When I looked at Com Ed’s sources of electricity, I found that only 1% comes from wind mills.

The biggie, of course, is nuclear power at 58%.

Next is coal at 32%.

4% came from natural gas. Peaker plants, I would imagine.

Also coming in at 1% were hydro and biomass power.

Alternative power sources obviously does not have a high priority for our electric company.

= = = = =
The windmills you see at on Interstate 39 near Paw Paw, Illinois. The photo was taken last June 7th on the way to the Illinois Republican State Convention in Decatur.

All of life’s decisions involve the comparison of costs to benefits.

Are we willing to stop driving our cars in order to clean up the environment?

Since Earth Day, the answer has been a resounding, “No!”

What are we willing to do?

Drive less polluting cars, even if they cost more, among other things.

I don’t like the new layout of the Chicago Tribune, but the article you see below was effective.

It reports that the Midwest could be energy independent, if wind mills were put in the Great Lakes.

The problem is that offshore wind mills would not be close to electric transmission lines, as present and potential land-based sites are.

14.3 miles per hour wind at 500 feet is what is needed to generate electricity. Those wind speeds are all over the Great Lakes.

The major objection in New England’s Cape Code has been visual pollution.

But, most people in Midwestern metropolitan areas can’t afford a view of one of the Great Lakes.

But, rich people have more political power than those of us in the sticks.

Another objection will be the potential of migrating bird deaths, even though “the wind industry has made great strides to minimize bird deaths,” according to Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne.

I well understand that from the objections to the building of cellular towers I heard about while I was state representative.

Offshore wind farms are common in Europe, the short, well-organized article says.

So, will the Great Lakes become a source of electric energy?

= = = = =
Photo of wind mill by Stan Gladbach. The image of the article may be enlarged by clicking on it.

All of life’s decisions involve the comparison of costs to benefits.

Are we willing to stop driving our cars in order to clean up the environment?

Since Earth Day, the answer has been a resounding, “No!”

What are we willing to do?

Drive less polluting cars, even if they cost more, among other things.

I don’t like the new layout of the Chicago Tribune, but the article you see below was effective.

It reports that the Midwest could be energy independent, if wind mills were put in the Great Lakes.

The problem is that offshore wind mills would not be close to electric transmission lines, as present and potential land-based sites are.

14.3 miles per hour wind at 500 feet is what is needed to generate electricity. Those wind speeds are all over the Great Lakes.

The major objection in New England’s Cape Code has been visual pollution.

But, most people in Midwestern metropolitan areas can’t afford a view of one of the Great Lakes.

But, rich people have more political power than those of us in the sticks.

Another objection will be the potential of migrating bird deaths, even though “the wind industry has made great strides to minimize bird deaths,” according to Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne.

I well understand that from the objections to the building of cellular towers I heard about while I was state representative.

Offshore wind farms are common in Europe, the short, well-organized article says.

So, will the Great Lakes become a source of electric energy?

= = = = =
Photo of wind mill by Stan Gladbach. The image of the article may be enlarged by clicking on it.

I saw this license plate on a car filling up at the Shell Station on Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

I was past the station before I decided that it was to good to pass up.

So, I circled around through the parking lot in front of PetCo and drove into the gas station and parked.

I asked the women what

stood for.

She said it described her.

“Is it political?’ I asked.

Turns out it is not.

She said she was fanatical about cleaning.

When I told my son, he said,

“Oh, just like Mom.”