USA - Bus company to use wind power

The capital plans for CityBus of Greater Lafayette will soon include plans to buy and install wind energy generators on transit buildings.

CityBus received $2.18 million from the federal government last fall. With part of that money, the transit company will install four box-style windmills on or near the CityBus building on Canal Road.

General Manager Martin Sennett said the wind power will save CityBus about $68,000 in energy costs.

Sennett said CityBus may also benefit by selling its carbon-offset credits. He said representatives from Duke Energy have already expressed interest in purchasing those, but Sennett said he didn't know at what price.

The wind power plans still need to be approved as part of CityBus' capital plan by two more county planning agencies. But assuming it goes through, Sennett will take bids on the wind energy devices in February.

He hopes to have the structures in place by the end of the year.

For more information please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net