Wind Energy
CEC’s Vision: Electricity is generated by the sun, wind, and waves
We could power a sizable part of our region's energy needs with more wind energy farms like the one being built in Lompoc. Taking advantage of the strength of the wind power industry and geographic potential in our region, CEC is advocating for more responsible wind power as a cost-competitive renewable energy resource.
What CEC Is Doing
Building on our success with bringing a large wind farm to our region, CEC is helping give wind power momentum.
Bringing Wind Energy Farms to our Coast — CEC successfully helped achieve community and government approval of the first wind energy farm to be built near Lompoc in Santa Barbara County.
Planning Big Projects the Smart Way — We’re helping wind energy advocates and industry stakeholders connect to resolve critical issues prior to planning large scale energy projects. This effort is called an early consultation process and helps to build an environmentally responsible project.
Enabling Small Wind Projects — CEC is working with Santa Barbara County on a small wind project ordinance and permitting process, which would add both flexibility and quality standards to small wind projects on rural property > Read our small wind white paper (pdf)
Standardizing the Wind Power Industry — CEC is thinking ahead by tracking small wind certifications from industry groups. Why is this important? Right now there is no single standard in certification for small wind power, which may cause complications as the industry grows.
How You Can Help
Stay In Touch & Take Action — CEC will be calling on the community to support the development of wind power opportunities in the near future. Sign up for e-mail alerts and we’ll notify you when you can take action. Connect with us on Facebook.
Help Wind Power Lift Off — Check out CEC’s online resources and stay in touch. If you’re looking to install small wind on your property, make sure you’re getting what you pay for with a certified turbine. Read more from the Small Wind Certification Council.
Tell Us Your Story — If you have installed small wind power on your property or ranch, we’d like to hear about your experience.