ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Archbold, Pettisville Wind Turbines Face More Costs, Delays




Industrial-scale electricity generating wind turbines for the Archbold and Pettisville school districts continue to face a delay; and now, there’s an additional cost issue involved.

Steve Switzer, superintendent of the Pettisville School District, told members of the district school board the project has run into some plan changes that could mean an additional $20,000 to $22,000 in costs.

Switzer presented the information during the board’s Monday, Jan. 9 meeting.

In a later interview, David Deskins, Archbold Area School District superintendent, explained that engineers had planned to use 750 kilovolt ampere (kVA) transformers. However, in discussions with Toledo Edison, the electricity company called for 1,000 kVA transformers.

Discussions are now underway to determine who will cover the additional cost: the engineering firm; the project contractor, Marous Brothers, Willoughby; or the school districts.

Also, the wind turbines are still being held up by a delay in the manufacture of the turbine blades.

Both school districts are relying on a variety of grants to fund the bulk of the cost of the turbines, which have a total price tag in excess of $1.8 million each.

The project contractor has applied for an extension on the grant deadlines, but has not received word of that approval.–D.J. Neuenschwander and David Pugh



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