Farmers and landowners

Farmers and rural landowners stand to benefit directly from wind power in Wisconsin. While contracts vary, wind developers typically pay a royalty to landowners of about $2,000 per year per turbine. Since a single wind turbine typically uses only a half-acre of land (including access roads), this can be a substantial return compared to crops or livestock. For farmers who depend on the ups and downs of prices for crops and dairy products, the steady income from a few wind turbines can be an important boost.

Commercial use of wind power

Dozens of Wisconsin businesses are buying power generated from the wind and other renewable resources. As of late 1999, four utilities offer their customers the option to buy "green" power, at a price premium. Businesses sign up for green power because of the personal commitment of their owners, to show that they are responsible members of the community and to attract green-minded customers. Over 15,000 customers have signed up so far.

Energy Center of Wisconsin, the host of this website, is one of those customers. It buys 100 percent of its electricity from MG&E's wind power program, and was one of the first customers in the area to do so.

From the spinning blades to the electric generator, find out how wind turbines work. (CONTINUE)