Survey Shows Public Support For Wind Energy In Tiverton

The concept of producing wind energy to boost economic development in Tiverton's industrial park received overwhelming support in a wind energy survey conducted this summer.

Garry Plunkett, liaison between the town and the East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC), which sponsored the report, turned the results in recently. See a .pdf copy of the report's results can be viewed at right. The survey received 990 responses. Some of the highlights include:

Do you support the concept of building wind turbines in the industrial park?

• 83%: Yes
• 11%: No
• 5.8% Neutral

What is your view with regard to the effect on the environment of developing more wind energy?

• 74%: Beneficial
• 4.9%: Harmful
• 13.6%: Neutral
• 7.2%: Not sure

Have you been near enough to a modern wind turbine generator, like the Portsmouth High School unit, to hear it?

• 38%: No
• 62%: Yes

If YES, was the turbine noise … ?

• 20%: Pleasant
• 15%: Unpleasant
• 65%: Not sure

Which of these statements most accurately describes your opinion regarding wind turbines in Tiverton?

• 49%: They should only be built in Tiverton if there is no electricity cost increase
• 32%: They are worth a minor increase in electricity rates
• 14%: A rate increase is acceptable to deter climate change

Would you support wind turbines in the Industrial Park if an increase in your electricity rate were offset by lower taxes and/or water bills resulting from power production revenues to the Town and Water Authorities?

• 82%: Yes
• 18%: No

The report will be used during the continued studies of how to best use the 177 acres of the industrial park. An engineering team has been to determine the best possible zoning uses for the town.