Earth Turbines Newsletter
February 2008

in this issue:
:: Product update
:: In the wind - Certificaiton Standersds
:: Hiring News
:: The Big Picuter - 2007 Wind in Review



It's an exciting time at Earth Turbines. While we continue to work on testing our product, we also remain active on many issues that are core to our company's mission:

Net metering: In its recently released report "Freeing the Grid," the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) gave Vermont a "C" grade for its net metering and interconnection policies. That puts us in the "average" range, but we can do better! We'd like to see changes made to Vermont's net metering laws that will truly support the development of small renewable energy systems. Visit our website for a link to the full Freeing the Grid: 2007 Report.

CO2 emissions: The expert consensus is that we must reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 80% by 2050. That's a 5% reduction starting now for the next 40 years. How? Most of our energy and carbon emissions come from fossil fuels, so that means we must start reducing our use of oil, gas and coal by 5% a year and start increasing our use of clean renewable energy sources.

Peak oil: It looks like the peak in world oil production occurred in the summer of 2006. Oil is 40% of our energy usage and our use of this finite, non-renewable resource has grown in volume for the last 150 years. This means the end of "cheap" oil and represents a major change for our modern society. At Earth Turbines, we are working hard to be part of the solution. By 2050, renewables have to be our major energy sources and we are only now beginning to tap these clean energy sources. See "The Big Picture" in this issue for more information about wind energy development in the United States.

Each of these issues could be a dissertation on its own, but you'll be hearing more from me on them in future issues of this newsletter. Stay tuned!             

David Blittersdorf
                                                              CEO and President

 

Product Update
 Test, test, test

Greetings, Here at Earth Turbines, we are busy continuing to test and improve our turbine, controls and tower.  All of these elements are undergoing significant engineering modifications so that we can offer the best turbine package on the market.  The strides we have made in the last three weeks are very exciting.   We will continue our testing program through 2008.  Production for the Vermont market is planned for the winter of 2008-9.

In the Wind
Certification standards coming...

The American Wind Energy Association and other groups are calling for certification of small wind turbines to make it easier for consumers to compare turbine products. The Small Wind Certification Corporation (SWCC) is a non-profit being formed to develop small wind turbine standards that will specifically address turbine power output, noise and kilowatt ratings. Right now, there are several small turbine options on the market that are rated at different wind speeds, making apples-to-apples comparisons difficult. These standards will provide consumers with a level of certainty and comfort that the products are safe, reliable and perform as stated.

Our own David Blittersdorf has been nominated to the board being formed to oversee this process. David believes wind turbine certification will not only make it easier for consumers when buying these products, but it is essential to grow the small wind market and bring this clean energy source into the mainstream.

Hiring News
Growing fast!

As our team grows, we'll be introducing you to the people who are working hard to make home wind power a viable option for homeowners everywhere. We added six people to the Earth Turbines team in the past year. Meet the Earth Turbines team.

We are in the process of hiring engineers and our Vermont Customer Service Specialist. This means your updates will be more frequent.

Check out our current openings.

We're always on the look out for talented people who share our passion for protecting the environment. Interested? Please tell us more about you and your interests by filling out a job interest form.

Making a Difference
 Share your opinion

Talking to your Congressional delegates can make a difference! Let them know you're concerned about climate change and want to see them implement policies that will support renewable energy technologies, clean our air and provide a better future for our children. Every phone call and email counts.

Contact your Vermont Congressional delegation:

Congressman Peter Welch:
Email: use form at
http://www.house.gov/formwelch/issue_subscribe.htm
Phone: (802) 652-2450
(888) 605-7270 toll free (VT only)
(202) 225-4115 Washington Office

Senator Bernie Sanders:
Email: use form at
http://sanders.senate.gov/comments/
Phone: (802) 862-0697
(800) 339-9834 toll free (VT only)
(202) 224-5141 Washington office

Senator Patrick Leahy:
Email: senator_leahy@leahy.senate.gov
Phone: (802) 863-2525
(800) 642-3193 toll free (VT only)
(202) 224-4242 Washington office

The big picture
Wind: 2007 in review

The large wind industry continues to enjoy unprecedented growth as it has for the past three years. In 2007, the U.S. wind industry installed 5,244 megawatts, growing our nation's wind generating capacity by 45%! According to the American Wind Energy Association, these new wind projects will power the equivalent of about 1.5 million American households.

Meanwhile, the small wind industry is poised for tremendous growth as well as more and more people are recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of powering their homes and businesses with clean wind energy. Legislative initiatives are also in the works at the Federal level to support the development of a federal investment tax credit for small wind systems.


We hope the New Year finds you well and healthy. We look forward to this update being the first in a series of regular communications throughout the year.

Stay warm, stay involved, stay energized!

From the team at Earth Turbines