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WPRO News and the Associated Press
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) – Portsmouth’s broken wind turbine is being replaced.
The 364-foot tall turbine at the high school broke down more than two years ago when its gearbox failed, and the debate has raged since over whether to fix it or replace it.
With a vote by the School Committee on Wednesday and one by the Town Council on Oct. 27, officials have approved a tentative contract to put up a new turbine.
The agreement with Wind Energy Development of North Kingstown requires the developer to pay the $1.4 million the town still owes for the original 1.5 megawatt tower, and in exchange, the town will purchase electricity generated by the turbine for 25 years.
Town planner Gary Crosby tells The Providence Journal the deal is not perfect, but is the best potion.
