James Madison University

VSWIP Applicant Status

Virginia Small Wind Incentives Program currently has 24 applicants. The received applications were evaluated based on the following criteria: wind speed, electricity rate, educational value and specifics of location. Each applicant`s wind speed was assessed using Virginia Wind Resource Map and anemometer data, if available. The wind speeds were placed on a scale from 1 to 5, scores of 5 being given to the candidates with the highest wind resource. Electricity rate score was based on the current electricity rate. Applicants with the higher electricity rate where given the greater score due to the project being more economically feasible in this location, since the payback period will be shorter. Educational value of the project was also very important, while the applications were considered. The applicants were given the higher score on the educational value criteria if they were willing to be involved with promotion of renewable energy, wind energy in particular. It would include organizing field trips for students, give short lectures regarding the advantages of wind energy and do other activities of that nature. Lastly the applicants were assessed based on the specifics of location, in particular the visibility to the surrounding community, places of interest and ability of public access.

The following applicants were selected as recipients for the VSWIP grant awards of 2004: Messrs. Wayne Bradburn and Billy Weitzenfeld representing The Jacksonville Center (Floyd Community Center for the Arts, Inc.) and The Association of Energy Conservation Professionals (AECP), Floyd, VA; Mr. Alden Hathaway representing the Shrine Mont Retreat Center, Orkney Springs, VA; Mr. Tal McBride, Hightown, VA; and Mrs. Quincy Umphlette, Heathsville, VA. Mr. Tom Brody of Hightown , VA and Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Thomas of Floyd , VA deferred grant awards for this year, but are invited to reapply in 2005.