Wind Energy

We believe that wind energy is a vital part of the energy mix to meet Michigan’s future energy needs. Harnessing the wind offers many benefits to our customers, the environment, the land owners, the local community, and our stakeholders. 

Michigan has great wind potential

Government-funded studies have shown the wind speed at 230 feet above the ground to be 16-18 mph in the Thumb. These are some of the strongest on-shore winds within the state of Michigan. We are still monitoring wind conditions in Huron County to measure these speeds more precisely. 

Wind energy is environmentally friendly

Wind energy is a completely renewable and non-polluting energy source, with minimal environmental impact -- adding no new air or water emissions.  Once wind generation equipment is in place, the ongoing operating costs of producing wind-based electricity may be less than other generation technologies.  Of course, wind generation is not constant and cannot replace base-load generation technologies, but wind energy does help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and helps secure our energy independence. 

Wind energy can produce economic benefits 

• Property owners whose land becomes part of the wind farm will receive annual payments, much of which will be spent in the local economy. 
• Counties and townships receive tax revenue from the wind farm owner. 
• The installation and maintenance of the wind farm creates jobs.  
• The people that take these jobs will be spending money in the local area. 
• Once a wind farm is constructed, all but about 5% of the land (used for the turbine foundations, roads, and other associated support structures) is still suitable for farming.