Wind Energy Could Mean Bills Go Up, Air Pollution Goes Down

By: Kim Eiten - Email

Updated: Tue 3:12 PM, Sep 25, 2012

Changing how Nebraskans get energy could happen sooner than some think.

Experts say building windmills to generate electricity could better the environment, but it comes at a cost to consumers.

How much would you be willing to pay for electric windmills?

Some experts think, it's time Nebraskans give a little to get with the times.

"I think you could reap a lot of benefit from wind at very low costs," energy expert Ron Binz said.

Low cost isn't nothing. It's likely you'll be paying for those windmills.

Bills would go up, but air pollution would go down.

"Obviously there's a lot of different things that go into the rates. This is just one of them. That's definitely right at the top. What would the cost be to the consumers?" said Lincoln Electric System Resource and Transition Planning Manager Scott Benson.

"The measure of what it does to rates is not the total cost of what you get or benefit of what you get out of moving to renewables," Binz said.

While the pinch might be on your pocketbook, the investment may be the answer.

As Nebraska grows, the demand for energy grows with it.

"If it's going to be something that's more long lasting and benefits the community overall than a couple bucks a month isn't awful," Lincoln resident Amy Lange said.

Some viewers sounded off on our 10/11 Facebook page.

One said, "Eventually no matter how little the increase, it all adds up!"

Another said, "It depends on how much a "little extra" is!"

LES said they're in the middle of a planning process that goes on every five years.

Among the things they're considering: wind energy.