Sangre de Cristo Installs Wind Turbine
Articles - Business Feature

by: Linda Nybergskystream

A Skystream 3.7 1.8 kW mini-turbine (windmill), now graces the skyline at the headquarters of Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, Inc. (SDCEA) in Buena Vista, Colorado. In conjunction with Chris Martin of Headwaters Energy & Finance, the mini-turbine was “tipped up” on Monday, June 25th. “It is a prime time for the co-ops and the utility industry as a whole, to step up to the bat and make renewable energy not only visible but workable in our community. Our goal is to use this mini-turbine as an educational tool so that our consumers can see the ‘how’ and the ‘what’ of how turbines actually work,” said CEO Paul Erickson. Through the use of an interactive computer kiosk in the headquarter building the mini-turbine will be monitored on a real time basis allowing consumers to see any data they are interested in about the mini-turbine’s production, etc. Tours will also be available for educational purposes to any group that requests them.

The official ceremony to launch the new mini-turbine will be on Tuesday, July 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at Sangre De Cristo Electric’s headquarters located at: 29780 N US Highway 24, in Buena Vista, Colorado. Attending the ceremony will be many state government officials as well as officials associated with the renewable energy research and development field. The public is encouraged to attend.

“We’re proud to be the first ones on the block to jump through all of the hurdles and install a mini-turbine. Perhaps now the city and county will work with the public to make it an easier process. Renewable energy is one of Governor Bill Ritter’s top priorities, and to make Amendment 37 work, we’re all going to have to work together. Renewable energy isn’t just a passing fancy, it will be the wave of the future for the utility industry over the next 10 to 12 years,” commented CEO Paul Erickson.

Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, Inc. is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative™ and part of our commitment to the community is innovation and state-of-the-art technology and through teamwork we can make renewable energy work.