Alternative energy project nears completion; tri-town to benefit
A wind turbine project that will alleviate electricity bills for Marion, Rochester and Old Rochester Regional’s is likely to go online by next spring.
Towns that signed on to be part of Con Edison Solution’s Future Generation Wind project in Plymouth were faced with delays as the scheduled completion date for the wind turbines was pushed to Dec. 2013 and then Dec. 2014.
Marion resident Bill Saltonstall said much progress has been made, and two of the turbines have been erected. Two more are in progress.
Saltonstall originally brought the project to Marion Selectmen who negotiated a 20-year contract with Con Edison Solutions that should save the town at least $75,000 each year, with that number likely to increase to six digits over the span of the agreement.
“There are some very favorable terms for the town,” Saltonstall said.
The project directly benefits municipalities, not individual residents and businesses, but all tri-town taxpayers may see relief since the junior high and high school are part of the alternative energy plan. For Marion and Rochester, town buildings, including schools, and street and traffic lights fall under the plan.
“The wind project will give the town savings of between twenty and thirty percent,” said Saltonstall. “That will affect everybody’s tax rate.”
Saltonstall has visited the site, which is adjacent to Route 25 in Plymouth, and expects the project to be completed early next year.