WIND POWER...what you need to know for wind development on your land.

The recent passage of the wind for export legislation in Nebraska this past unicameral has sparked renewed interest by wind developers to obtain leases on the best potential sites in the state. That means that farms and ranches in good wind areas with transmission lines in the vicinity are very desirable for development.

We can anticipate quite a number of new wind developments to begin production in the next several years. We know that developers are looking at several locations in the Dawson service area. We support the development of these projects where it make economic sense but we also want you, our customers, to keep your eyes wide open if find yourself in lease negotiations. Here are a few things to consider. This is not an all inclusive list but will hopefully help you protect your property interests.

 

• Meet with your neighbors to help determine the interest and potential impacts

• Hire an attorney to review any lease before signing

• Determine how much and how long will your land be tied up (construction and operation)

• What impact will heavy equipment have on your property, such as large cranes

• Provisions for restoration of site after the construction phase

• Provisions for maintenance during operations

• Provisions for restoration of the site when the lease expires

• What affect will it have on future use of the property

• Can additional turbines be placed and what is the notification, process, compensation and location

• What affect will a lease have on your insurance, taxes or USDA policies, etc.

• How will you be paid, fixed payments, royalties or a combination of each

• Research the company you are dealing with, are they experienced with a good reputation

• What happens if the company goes bankrupt

 These are exciting times and this type of development poses an opportunity for additional revenue for our area. It also ties up your property for 20 to 50 years so you really need to understand all of the implications of your lease. Good luck in your negotiations!

 

Robert A. Heinz, General Manager