Golisano helps push new wind energy plan

Jan. 9--The Lake Ontario Town of Somerset, which passed two laws governing windmills last year, will hear about an unusual kind of wind energy proposal tonight.

Sabres owner Tom Golisano is one of the founders of Empire State Wind Energy, whose business model calls for cooperation with the host community, which would have the opportunity to eventually take control of the wind turbines.

We're in the business to make some money, but our objective and our focus does not revolve around that," said Keith Pitman, a co-founder and president and chief executive officer.

"The gist of what we're trying to do is capture that money that is made in the future [from wind-generated power production] and give as much as possible to the communities that host our projects."

Empire State Wind Energy proposes to do that by accepting the large up-front costs of developing a windmill -- typically $2 million to $3 million to build and install -- and entering into profit-sharing agreements with host communities once they are up and running.

Golisano originally opposed wind power, but Pitman said Golisano's opinion evolved.

"There was a lot of money we're going to be investing, a lot of the landscape that would be changed, yet what was anyone in this area going to have to show for it"" Pitman said.

That evolution was one of the reasons Golisano helped found the company, he said.

"Instead of simply complaining [about out-of-state involvement], he decided to invest in it and promote a solution."

Pitman said there are a few differences between his plan and others.

One, he said, is that the up-front costs are being assumed by a state company, and the ultimate benefits will be enjoyed by state residents.

Secondly, host towns would have the opportunity to take control of the projects. And third, host communities are involved from the beginning.

"It's always been [with other developers], "Here's my project, now will you approve it"' instead of "What project would you like to host in your community"' " he said.

Pitman's presentation is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 8700 Haight Road.