Utility executives hope to sign a new power contract with Hydro-Quebec this
week during a top level trade mission to Quebec City, where Governor
Jim Douglas will meet with Quebec Premier Jean Charest.
Vermonters are lining up to redevelop old dams or produce
power through new methods that don’t require dams. But despite new government incentives to develop
green energy, these small hydro projects aren’t getting built.
A
Vermont hydroelectric developer
hopes to generate power from federally owned flood control dams in Townshend
and Jamaica. Backers
say the project would benefit the towns involved and enhance the reliability
of the region’s power distribution system.
With Town Meeting Day coming up
next week, we’re examining an interesting question folks in Plainfield
will face. Do voters in Plainfield,
population about 1,300, want to borrow $200,000 for the development
of a micro-hydro dam?
Two large New England utilities want to build a new transmission line to carry electricity from Hydro-Quebec power dams in Canada to southern New England.
Swanton is talking about whether or not to demolish a dam owned by the city. Burlington Free Press reporter Candy Page joins us to talk about how towns like Swanton are taking a fresh look at hydro power.
In
the late 1800s the Middlebury Electric Company harnessed the falls for power. But since the 1960s, the falls have just been
falls. Now, the power may be
coming back on.
This
endless rain has left a lot of people cranky lately. But not the folks who run
hydroelectric dams. The
rushing water has their turbines spinning at full tilt – generating plenty of
electricity.