USA - Legislation would power prison with wind turbines

The state prisons in Cheshire sit atop a small plateau that is largely open to the four winds.

Rep. Mary G. Fritz, D-Wallingford, wonders if the topography might be suitable to harnessing wind power to generate electricity. Her district includes the 25-acre prison complex. Fritz and Rep. Kathleen M. Tallarita, D-Enfield, introduced legislation to direct the Department of Correction to set up wind turbines on prison property somewhere in Connecticut. Five other House members co-sponsored the bill.

The experimental program could lead to the placement of power-generating windmills on other prisons, and even other state-owned properties in the future. The wind turbines would generate power for the selected prison and cut down electricity costs and save money. Prison towns could also benefit. The legislation directs the Department of Correction to allocate any electricity the prison doesn't need to benefit the town or city where it is located.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net