The
Grand Ledge City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to permit the construction of commercial and residential wind turbines.
The version of the ordinance that passed—a second draft—allows
residents to install small-scale wind-generating power systems on their
roof or property and sell back excess electricity to the grid. It also
allows for commercial-scale facilities, though both are subject to
various zoning restrictions.
“Some folks here are eager to promote a green lifestyle,” says Grand Ledge
Mayor Kalmin Smith.
The first version of the ordinance “made it impossible” to permit
residential wind energy systems and banned selling back excess
electricity, Mayor Smith says. After objections from the public and a
few council members, the planning commission went back to the drawing
board, making room for both.
Though it’s now permitted to harvest wind energy in Grand Ledge, Mayor
Smith doesn’t think businesses and residents will jump on the
opportunity simply because of high start-up costs. He says the primary
purpose for passing an ordinance was because the subject “is on the
minds of the people” and the smart thing to do is have an ordinance in
place for when the venture is more affordable.
Source: Mayor Kalmin Smith, Grand Ledge
Writer: Andy Balaskovitz
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.