Deerfield Wind
Benefits
Fighting Global Climate Change
The Deerfield wind project would represent a much needed long-term source of power for Vermont and the region. Deerfield Wind will generate the equivalent of the average electricity needs of approximately 14,000 Vermont households. That is a little over 76% of the households in Windham County (year 2000 census).
Keeping Power Local
Green Mountain Power Company is negotiating a long-term, fixed-rate power purchase agreement with PPM to buy at least 50% of the energy generated by the Deerfield project for their Vermont electric customers. PPM hopes to secure other Vermont-based purchasers of Deerfield's power so all of the power can be used locally.
Economic Benefits
Deerfield Wind will make significant tax payments without the needs for corresponding outlays of town services. Deerfield Wind will be a substantial investment that will result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in local property tax payments to the towns of Searsburg and Readsboro, and a comparable level of payments to the State of Vermont for education property taxes. Currently, PPM is in negotiations with the Towns of Searsburg and Readsboro to work out the details of these payments which will occur for the life of the project. Additionally, many significant business opportunities are created for local contractors during construction and several local jobs will continue through the project's operation. Deerfield Wind has already invested in many Vermont based firms to help study this project.