Video: Wind Turbine Syndrome

Hey NextEra: share that wind turbine ‘tele-townhall’ transcript?

At the beginning of February this year NextEra decided to do a “tele-townhall” in the Adelaide region to query residents about the 38 wind turbine project they are proposing for the area. They called random numbers in the area and had their ‘experts’ on the line to reassure the community that all will be safe and good. Problem was, they weren’t treated kindly by the locals that night – at all– not the sort of conversation they want to brag about! NextEra ended up strategically asking an innocent ‘poll’ to get rid of anyone against the turbines:

Are you in favor of wind turbines in your area?
Hit 1 for yes, 2 for no, 3 for undecided, and 4 for more information.
If you wished to ask a question- hit *3.

 Note: if you answered 2 (no) you were cut off and if you called back you could only leave a message.   

A resident who had been conveniently cut off from listening and the discussion e-mailed NextEra afterwards and asked that they send her a transcript as she wasn’t able to hear the rest of the conversation:

Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 10:01 PM
To: ADELAIDE-WIND
Subject: Conference call? 

You had a conference call at 7 PM tonight will no warning it called my home and was just on. I was cut off about 15mins in, and wondered if you had the transcripts of this conversation? As it was in my area I would like to of heard more. I couldn’t get back on.

The report would be greatly needed and a heads up for Q & A’s next time would be nice. An email letting me know one is coming even if it’s any project around southern Ont. Would be helpful in recording any questions I have a head of time.

Thanks for you time

****
=================================================================================

From: Dudek, Derek
To: ****
Subject: Adelaide – T2 Inquiry

Hello Ms. ****
Sorry about your problems with the telephone town hall we conducted. I will see about getting you a copy of the transcripts when they become available. I appreciate your comments regarding lack of notification regarding the call but it was a new technology we were trying out to reach the community and will be doing more engagement efforts in the future. As always, don’t hesitate to ask questions at any time to myself and we will work to get you the answers from our team.

FYI – We are currently looking into your previous inquiry re: the location of your vacant lot receptor and hope to get back to you shortly.

Thanks,

Derek Dudek| Community Relations Consultant
NextEra EnergyCanada, ULC
5500 North Service Road,Burlington,ONL7L 6W6
O:905.335.4904 x18 f:905.335.5731
Mobile- 519.318.0237
derek.dudek@nexteraenergy.com

=================================================================================

Attached to Derek’s e-mail was this big OOOPS! (damn, eh Derek and Josie? NextEra: the company of the hush hush, let ‘er leak.)

From: Hernandez, Joselen On Behalf Of SharedMailbox, ADELAIDE-WIND
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 2:57 PM
To: Dudek, Derek; Greenhouse, Ben
Subject: FW: Conference call?

I had a feeling we’d hear from her…please see below. Until we hear the transcripts, I’d prefer not to share them. But we can certainly give her an overview of what was asked? Thoughts??

Josie

Getting tough on turbines – Plympton-Wyoming

Plympton-Wyoming wants big money from wind operators

By Heather Wright  Sarnia This Week

PLYMPTON-WYOMING – Plympton-Wyoming says industrial wind turbine operators will have to put down a $200,000 deposit for each of the massive energy makers before any soil is turned.

It’s one of two new standards the township council passed recently in an effort to “protect our people,” according to Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper.

After the province passed the Green Energy Act, municipalities had very little say in where or how many industrial wind turbines would be erected in the territory. Suncor currently plans a 29 turbine project in Plympton-Wyoming, a move Napper is worried about.

In January, council passed the bylaw calling for the $200,000 deposit reasoning there had to be money available so the turbines could be dismantled if, in 20 years, the original owners abandon the machinery.

For Suncor, that would mean cutting a $5.8 million check to Plympton-Wyoming.

“We thought with all the companies coming in – we don’t know these companies – if the turbines have to be removed, it gives you some security,” says Napper. “We want the assurance that if some company comes in and puts up forty of them, (and) they’re gone – when they are worn out – what do you do with them?

Monte McNaughton to host Wind Turbine Townhall in Strathroy

Be sure to mark on your calendar and tell your friends, neighbours and family to attend:

MPP Wind Turbine Townhall in Strathroy
Date: March 12th, 2012 
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Place: Amy’s Place: 28537 Centre Road, Strathroy (@ MulifarryDr. & CentreRd)

MPP Vic Fedeli (PC Critic for Energy) and MPP Bob Bailey (Sarnia-Lambton) have both confirmed that they also plan to attend. To schedule your presentation or for more information, please contact Eileen McCoy at the office of MPP Monte McNaughton.
Tel: 519-245-8696 • Fax: 519-245-8697 Email: eileen.mccoy@pc.ola.org