8/25/04 The notion of using wind power to supplement Lompoc's energy supply got off the ground Tuesday night at a joint City Council and Utilities Commission meeting.

Commissioner Michael Barriere, with the help of Scott Debenham, an expert in the field with Noresco, an energy development company, pitched the idea of harnessing Lompoc's gusty breezes for power.

"I grew up sailing on San Francisco Bay, so I know the wind carries a punch," Barriere said. "Wind is clearly one of the least expensive ways to generate electricity."

Barriere touted power-producing windmills as non-polluting, aesthetically pleasing in cities like Toronto and Boston, and as a cheap source of energy. He said previously the sale of excess power could be used to pay off the windmills in 8 to 10 years.

Debenham added, "I think the time is right and the place is right."

Not everyone at the meeting, however, thought wind power was the right direction for Lompoc. Councilmember Mike Siminski said he does not see Lompoc taking a lead in building its own windmills and he is not ready to ask the staff to commission studies on the idea. He also opposed the idea of the city competing against power companies by selling excess energy.

After hearing arguments for and against Lompoc taking a lead role in wind power, Mayor Dick DeWees suggested that the commission look into the idea of doing a feasibility study and bring that information back to the City Council at a later date.

"I like the concept," Councilmember Janice Keller said.

"The city is not against it," Councilmember DeWayne Holmdahl said.

Holmdahl also suggested that John Stahl, the president of the Gaviota Energy Group, a company exploring the use of windmills in Miguelito Canyon, be brought in to discuss wind power.

Holmdahl is somewhat familiar with wind power. He said a 43-foot windmill on his ranch saved him about $230,000 in having to put in another source of power.

Staff writer Mark Abramson can be reached at 736-2313, Ext. 126, or by e-mail at mabramson@lompocrecord.com.