At the annual meeting of the Swan’s Island Electric Cooperative on July 20, the main topic of discussion was the possibility of developing wind power on Swan’s Island and Frenchboro.
Ed Schawbe, a member of the cooperative’s board, explained the preliminary study to those in attendance and also fielded questions. The board’s initial study looked at the possibility of four windmills on Swan’s Island, and did studies based on average wind speed in the area. The study found that the turbines would cut the island’s dependence on electricity from Bangor Hydro by 75 percent, based on a year with average wind speed.
An initial problem is that Swan’s Island has a ban on tall towers. The wind turbines would be nearly 300 feet tall, and would need special approval by the town. Other concerns about the wind project included cost and maintenance. Responding to questions, Schwabe put the annual cost at about $15,000-$20,000. Construction of the turbines could be expected to cost over one million dollars.
Schawbe stressed that the study was initial and more research was needed. The next steps recommended by the board are surveying appropriate sites and gathering data on wind speed, and also seeking or allocating funds to support more research.
Participants in the meeting elected three members of the board of Trustees. George Baker of Frenchboro was reelected, and was joined by Myron Sprague, Jr., and Charlie Wiegle. Annette Joyce retired from the board after 18 years of service. It was also announced that the new Electric Cooperative building will be named after the late Board members Rusty Crossman and Daniel Barnes.
Siobhan Ryan is an Island Fellow on Swan’s Island.