Many ski resorts tout their “green credentials” these days. To offset their energy consumption they purchase wind power or other renewable energy from utilities. A few years ago National Geographic reported on the migration toward wind power on behalf of ski resorts. They pointed out the obvious connection between climate change and the potential decrease in snowfall for many ski areas. More recently, USA Today reported on Western ski destinations’ move toward a more environmentally conscious way of business. A resort in Massachusetts has gone one step further by installing their own 1.5 megawatt wind turbine from General Electric. Jiminy Peak, in Hancock, Massachusetts, has installed a single turbine on the top of one of their peaks. During the winter the resort consumes a 60% of its total annual energy usage, much of which is used to make snow. According to an article on CNN.com, the turbine cost $4 million and generates a third of the electricity that the resort needs. As a result of the turbine, the resort saves $450,000 annually on their electricity bill. During the summer months Jiminy Peak’s wind turbine generates more electricity than the resort consumes. In these instances they are able to sell energy back to the utility. Based on current consumption and utility rates, the payback time is approximately nine years.

Despite the potential negative impacts of installing wind turbines, such as effect on bird migration and soil erosion, the need for local production of clean energy remains a priority for the clean energy economy. The sizable upfront investment pays off in a multitude of ways. Jiminy Peak has a recognizable, marketable advantage over other ski destinations. They become self-sufficient and a boon to the community by selling back excess power and bringing in jobs. Those resorts that purchase renewable energy offsets do help support the burgeoning industry, but Jiminy Peak stands out as a leader in the field.

- Eric Wilson