N E T C W F S: Reliminary Eport

PRELIMINARY REPORT
NEW ENGLAND TABLELANDS COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

MAY 2011
PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the New England Tablelands Community Wind Farm Study (New England Wind Phase1) is to determine the feasibility for the establishment of a community co-operative based wind farm in the New England Tablelands. The emphatic and crystal clear message from the overwhelming majority of community and key stakeholders has been 'go for it'!
It is a great initiative and I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

This Preliminary Report finds that there is sufficient support for the establishment of New England Wind. This finding reflects consistent conclusions from a multistreamed program of participatory planning forums, surveys and research, reflecting the views of well over 1,300 respondents and stakeholders. A recommended governance and business structure is detailed ~ a hybrid structure that strongly fits the identified design principles. This structure blends the strengths of a community co-operative for strong community leadership, governance and investment with a purpose-designed unlisted public company, to operate the community wind farm 'enterprise', leverage expertise and moderate the influence of larger investors and lenders. This structure is designed to strike a pragmatic balance between proving the capacity and support of the region to deliver a substantial wind farm project and the strong desire, expressed consistently by hundreds of stakeholders and community members, for regional energy self-sufficiency. We found clear support for a longer term development of a regional energy system ~ addressing usage, efficiency, generation and distribution through to security, storage, sustainability and education.
One community-owned wind farm will only produce a small proportion of the electricity needed, but it is a start. In due course we should aim to have 100% renewable energy generated within the region, preferably from a number of different sources...
COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY
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A sound base of support has been established with some $3-5m worth of prospective investment, more than one-hundred potential sites and a range of prospective community, professional and stakeholder partners identified. There are obvious challenges and risks which are detailed, most significantly the sheer boldness of seeking to establish the first community wind farm in NSW. Raising capital and developing governance and technical expertise will be central to the success of this initiative. It is recommended that the New England region raise $30m in capital to establish an 8 Turbine wind farm producing sufficient electricity for 25,000 people and 9,000 dwellings ~ close to half the residential load of the New England Tablelands. While this is clearly ambitious, there are several key elements to proving this possibility ~ the advantages of being a designated Renewable Energy Precinct, availability of a quality wind resource, and a large pipeline of approved and proposed commercial wind farm developments ~ which together provide a momentum which New England Wind can 'slip-stream'. It is estimated that the region has invested some $10-13m in microgeneration with solar Pv and wind in the last three years alone, demonstrating real willingness to shift to sustainable energy. New England Wind provides a compelling opportunity to significantly Illustration 1: Solar Trackers & Micro-Wind, Kyabra advance energy selfsufficiency again, leverage community, investor and public funds, deliver a multitude of substantial and measurable benefits including enhancing the community understanding and support for clean, renewable energy.
Can we please get started as soon as possible?
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS TABLE

OF
CONTENTS
Partnerships..................................................................................... 26 Local Government.....................................................................28 Funding Body ~ New England Renewable Energy Precinct, DECCW.........................................................................29 Commercial.................................................................................... 30 Study Tours....................................................................................... 31 Communication Reach..........................................................31 Web Presence............................................................................... 32 Other................................................................................................... 33
Executive Summary.......................................................2 Reporting Structure........................................................5

Scope of Study ..............................................................................5 Process to Finalise Findings & Recommendations....6
Feasibility Assessment...................................................7
Leadership & Expertise................................................................7 Government Context..................................................................8 Indicative Investment..................................................................9 Potential Sites.................................................................................10 Support for Renewable Energy..........................................10 Community Participation.......................................................12 International Year of Co-Operatives.............................13
Challenges & Risks........................................................34 Conclusions & Next Steps........................................38

Feedback for Final Report....................................................39 Outstanding Tasks.......................................................................39 Wind Farm Study Tours.............................................................40 Social Marketing Campaign ~ Knowledge & Understanding............................................................................... 40 Medium Term Priorities.............................................................40 NSW Government Support....................................................41 Relevant Government Legislation, Regulation, Policy & Programs ......................................................................42
Glen Innes Severn Council Development Control Plan ......................................................................................................................42
Design Principles...........................................................14
Navigating the Design Principles Map..........................16
Meaning of Community..........................................17
Involvement from Beyond the Community...............19
Community Governance & Enterprise Structure.............................................................................20

New England Energy................................................................20 New England Wind....................................................................22 Local Government.....................................................................23 Common Governance Principles.....................................23
Appendices......................................................................43
Turbine Tourism...................................................................................43
Potential for Participation.......................................24

Investment....................................................................................... 24 Landholders.................................................................................... 26
Acknowledgements..................................................................44 New England Wind Consortium........................................45 About Starfish................................................................................. 46
Illustration 2: Armidale Community Forum
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REPORTING STRUCTURE
This Preliminary Report details the high level summary of six months of highly participatory planning and research into the feasibility for a New England community wind farm. It reflects the findings and evidence established throughout the various streams of this work, and is to be read in conjunction with the following series of Reports dedicated to discrete parts of the participatory planning process and research: Governance Models Options Analysis Community Survey Analysis Participatory Planning Forums Analysis Community Renewable Energy Research Report ~ Community Power Agency Legal Structure Advices NSW Co-Operatives ~ NSW Environmental Defender's Office Hybrid Structures ~ Wilson & Co Lawyers Study Methodology & Activities Report
SCOPE
OF
STUDY
The purpose of the New England Wind Study is to examine the feasibility of a community co-operative based wind farm in the New England Tablelands, with the capacity to generate between 4MW and 10 MW. The scope of the study includes identifying: potential for participation by landholders and local residents; opportunities and best vehicle for raising investment and development funds; the most appropriate co-operative structure(s) for the venture; and, recommendations and protocols which can assist the development, membership and marketing of similar community co-operatives in other NSW Renewable Energy Precincts.
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The scope does not extend to assessing the feasibility of a wind farm at a particular site through wind speed monitoring, grid connection etc. Rather, the Study has taken place on the assumption that the conditions for a successful medium size wind farm exist, founded on wind speed levels and consistency.
PROCESS
TO
FINALISE FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS
The particular purpose of this Preliminary Report is to outline draft findings and recommendations for further discussion, comment and feedback, which in turn will inform the Final Report (due June 2011). The process to achieve this is as follows: Publish and promote this and the above listed Reports throughout existing networks, websites, email and mainstream media; Facilitated Stakeholder Focus Groups (The Community Mutual Group, The University of New England, and Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce); Brief NSW and Australian Government agencies and utilities to assess the implications of the Study for them; Produce and promote a short video explaining the findings and recommendations; Negotiate with legal and financial advisors to clarify legal advice detail for the proposed hybrid governance structure; and, Obtain indicative information regarding the scope for superannuation investment. The outcomes from this work will be analysed and incorporated into the Final Report, including identifying the immediate steps required for the establishment of the proposed governance structure.
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FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT
The following section provides an overview of the key findings and evidence from this Preliminary Report supporting the feasibility for the establishment of a New England community wind farm.
LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

Demonstrated community leadership is critical to the success of New England Wind. A strong core of leaders for New England Wind has already been established, from individuals and organisations, providing capability to move into Phase2 and formal pre-feasibility work. The members of the Consortium (refer Appendices) are the most visible example of this leadership, supplemented by Members of Parliament, Local Councillors and Councils (particularly Walcha, Uralla Shire, Glen Innes Severn and Armidale Dumaresq Councils) and a wide range of key organisations who have publicly expressed their supportiveness for a community wind farm to be established. Considerable expertise has been gathered already, particularly in key areas of governance, legal, finance, participatory planning, research and communications. Numerous wind farm professionals have expressed their willingness to be involved and support this 'community' endeavour, as well as many more professionals making Illustration 3: Public Launch of New England Wind Study, approaches on a purely New England Wind Consortium Members commercial basis.
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With regard to future requirements for expertise, the finding from this Study is that professional and technical partners should be sought and utilised for New England Wind to the degree that necessary expertise is not available already within the community. The large professional services, research and education base of the New England brings a depth and calibre of expertise which is unique in regional Australia, most symbolised by the presence of The University of New England. Further, as at the time of writing, three commercial wind farms are in the process of obtaining formal NSW Planning approval and one (Glen Innes) has finalised the process. The combined potential capacity is over 850 MW and all applicants have carried out detailed monitoring, environmental and financial assessments, community information sessions and community consultations. The latter consultations have been undertaken with varying levels of commitment and success. The four commercial developers have each expressed in-principle support for a community cooperative wind farm, recognising that general support for such an enterprise could translate to greater support for well sited wind farms generally. It is likely that New England Wind would be able to take advantage of technical and construction capacity brought to the region by those commercial operations, with two of the proposed wind farms likely to be at site preparation stage before the community wind farm has completed its full resource assessment.
GOVERNMENT CONTEXT
The NSW New England Tablelands Renewable Energy Precinct, and the joint Australian-NSW Governments' 2020 20% Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, are key policy drivers for commercial wind development especially, and New England Wind can be expected to capitalise on the large amount of regional commercial activity scheduled to take place from 2013 onwards. Working in partnership with the Renewable Energy Precinct has been invaluable, and mutually beneficial. New England Wind brings community engagement and education strengths to partner the role of the Precinct and its network.
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INDICATIVE INVESTMENT
Up to $5m of indicative investment has been identified in a very short time, particularly recognising that this Study precedes any firm details of business and financial models being available.
Would need to examine the business case before investing. Although I would not be that worried about high returns, I would not like to take a high risk on any investment.
300 individuals have expressed a willingness to invest $3m in total, and the profile of their investment compares favourably with the Hepburn Wind investor base, indicating a stronger average and mean willingness to invest. Willingness to invest was specifically covered at each of the six forums and the vast majority of attendees showed their willingness to consider investing. This interest was consistent with the findings from the Survey.
Illustration 4: Uralla Community Forum ~ Interest to Invest
In addition, indicative figures from local organisations tally to around $2m. The proposed business model will leverage community ($10m+), investor (up to $10m) and borrowings (up to $10m). These capital raising targets are achievable, particularly in light of the $10-12m collectively invested by the community in micro-generation in the last 3 years. The potential to establish an effective vehicle for small and self-managed superannuation funds investing in New England Wind is still under investigation.
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POTENTIAL SITES
More than 100 landholders have expressed interest in considering hosting wind turbines and New England Wind. While formal assessment of potential sites will be part of Phase 2 moving forwards, preliminary reviews indicate that there are at least several of these sites which have the potential to match the site design principles (detailed in the Design Principles section below), and comply with relevant legislation, regulation and planning controls (see Next Steps).
SUPPORT
FOR
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Each of Walcha, Armidale Dumaresq, Uralla Shire and Glen Innes Severn Councils' strategic plans, priorities or goals identify support for renewable energy: wind power, renewable energy generally, climate change and the shift beyond coalfired electricity. The University of New England has similar priorities, the significance of which is underlined by the size of the organisation ~ the single largest employer between Newcastle and the Gold Coast. The substantial take-up of micro-generation solar Pv and wind has already been noted. In addition it is important to highlight that this has occurred across urban, business and rural sectors, families, farmers and retirees.
We have set up a 10Kw Small-scale Solar Power Generator on our property. We would like to add to our contribution to renewable energy by investing in a wind farm.
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Illustration 5: "What sources of electricity would you prefer to be creating electricity for the New England?" ~ Community Survey
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Being a near neighbour of the Liverpool Plains has no doubt contributed to the strong and pragmatic view expressed frequently throughout this work: that times have changed and we need to move beyond coal.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The findings for the feasibility of a community wind farm are grounded in a significant scale of community participation and engagement. Feedback and comment on this Report, including Focus Groups, will be incorporated into the Final Report, Recommendations & Findings. As highlighted in the figures (right) more than 1,300 individuals have directly been involved in this Study.
Illustration 6: Community Participation

Note: These figures are not discrete and may include multiple references to some individuals or organisations.
'Community' here means the 'whole of community' ~ local businesses, individuals, Council, government agencies, investors and more.
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INTERNATIONAL YEAR
OF
CO-OPERATIVES
The recommended use of a Co-operative structure for New England Wind in part reflects the strong international history and reputation of co-operatives advancing the community governance and benefits. The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socioeconomic development, in particular recognising their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. This timing provides a potentially significant platform for profile, partnerships and support for New England Wind, and the pursuit of co-operative owned renewable energy more widely. Community and co-operative owned energy is responsible for 86% of all wind power in Denmark and a remarkable 90,000 employees in Germany delivering 8% of their total energy. The co-operative sector worldwide has nearly a billion members, with membership as high as 1 in 2 people in Finland and Singapore, and one in three in Canada, New Zealand, Honduras and Norway. In New Zealand, co-operatives account for 22% of GDP. Financial co-operatives serve an estimated 857 million people, or 13 percent of the world population. Some 49,000 credit unions serve 177 million members in 96 countries, under the umbrella of the World Council of Credit Unions. It is estimated that co-operatives account for more than 100 million jobs around the world.
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DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The most significant area of inquiry, and findings, has been to identify a framework of Design Principles for an acceptable, supported and successful community wind farm. The Design Principles shape the preliminary findings and recommendations New England Wind. They address the full spectrum of requirements for governance, financial and legal affairs, capital raising and operational requirements with a view to pursuing the desired benefits of a community wind farm, as well as addressing challenges and minimising risks. While New England is an identified priority area for renewable energy, particularly due to its solid wind resources, the success of a community wind farm relies upon establishing a broad base of support. The forms of support required range from financial investment through to suitable land for locating turbines, considering landholders, neighbours, aesthetic and ecological issues as well as the operational necessities for good wind, grid connection and service accessibility. The Study has identified an overwhelming level of support for this proposition, with a comprehensive range of requirements now mapped (see following page) for the design specifications of the initiative. At the same time there have been some negative experiences from current wind farm proposals in the region. These were particularly prominent around Glen Innes. These concerns have been fed into the risks and challenges, detailed later in this Report, as well as a more robust and comprehensive set of design principles to ensure broad-based community support and acceptance.
Well some of us have other ideas about benefits and advantages. I think its a shame here tonight. I think its tainted with the commercial [wind farms] but some of us actually are interested in our particular areas for a community wind farm so I guess Id like to state that point of view at this stage in the game.
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Illustration 7: Design Principles
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NAVIGATING
THE
DESIGN PRINCIPLES MAP
The Design Principles have been grouped and summarised in clusters as follows: Governance & Ownership ~ defining the requirements and rules for the 'community governance' of the wind farm, including the universal CoOperative Principles inherited from the global movement, and ensuring majority ownership by the 'community' throughout the operation;
People feel powerless (excuse me) with the current situation. Give us all a chance to have a say about the what, where and costs of providing energy to our homes, farms, and businesses.
Electricity Generation & Turbine Siting ~ recognising the underlying need to shift to renewable energy and move beyond coal, how the electricity generated should be utilised, specifications for selection of turbine technology and suitable sites, and identifying the central benefits sought by the community;
Using and producing energy in our region would be greatly beneficial to our community and the closer it is the better, especially if produced via renewable/sustainable means.
Building Knowledge & Understanding ~ ensuring there is a proactive, transparent and comprehensive campaign to inform the community and their decision-making with regards to the specific community wind farm and the broader purpose of addressing energy needs in total; and,
A campaign to educate people about how wind power actually generates power, and how it is converted for use in the average home or business, and how much it costs per Kw to set up and distribute. Similar to the campaign which educated us about solar power.
Community Benefits ~ demonstrating leadership, doing it our way and ensuring that the sound financial and technical operation of the wind farm delivers benefits to the wider community (Community Benefit Plan to be developed) beyond the direct shareholders and stakeholders.
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MEANING
OF
COMMUNITY
The meaning given to 'community' is a critical component of New England Wind, by defining the boundaries and balance of ownership, governance principles and benefits which will accrue beyond the direct parties to the wind farm such as shareholders, employees, suppliers, landholders and electricity users. Research was undertaken to examine existing literature on the definitions of community generally, and specifically as applied to community renewable energy initiatives. The findings of this research are separately detailed in the Community Renewable Energy Research Report (Community Power Agency). The message from the Survey, Forums and other engagement was very clear with regards to defining 'community': those having a clear local residence, stake or ownership in the New England. For the purpose of New England Wind Community is defined as: Local ~ the social, cultural and geographic identity of the New England Region, NSW, Australia; Including Individuals ~ those who live or own land in the New England; Including Organisations ~ businesses owned by local people and other similar local organisations, such as superannuation funds, family trusts or community organisations with local governance. It is recommended that a 'selfidentifying' process, similar to that used by Hepburn Wind, is applied for the purpose of governing the New England Wind member and investment registry. That is, individuals and organisations should be able to 'self-identify' as being 'local', and so part of the 'community' as defined above.
Illustration 8: Community Outreach ~ Gaslands Screening, Belgrave Cinema
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Illustration 9: Survey Findings: Which Investors fit the "Community-Owned" Purpose?
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INVOLVEMENT
FROM
BEYOND
THE
COMMUNITY
The recommended governance structure firmly embodies the principle of community ownership, decision-making and returns from the community wind farm. At the same time there is recognition that New England Wind will benefit from, and be attractive to, investors and other stakeholders who are outside the community as defined above. The governance structure (detailed below) distinguishes involvement of local individuals and organisations with investors and other interests from beyond the community. This is consistent with the Ownership Design Principles ~ specifically with anti-takeover provisions in the operational arm (unlisted public company) and the identified need for a separate share class for Institutional Investors.
Illustration 10: Glen Innes Community Forum
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COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE & ENTERPRISE STRUCTURE

Designing a community enterprise ~ blending business with community processes, principles and benefits ~ is central to the Design Principles described earlier in this Report. The Structure (detailed on the following page) reflects the result of cross-fertilising the design principles with four streams of advice, separately detailed: Environmental Defender's Office ~ NSW Co-Operatives; Wilson & Co Lawyers ~ Unlisted Public Company and hybrid structures; Embark and Hepburn Wind ~ Hepburn Wind Victorian Co-operative; Community Power Agency ~ an extensive series of case studies and analysis of other Australian (Denmark, WA) and international community renewable energy governance structures. It is recommended that a two-entity hybrid structure is required to best deliver the design principles identified by the community and key stakeholders.
NEW ENGLAND ENERGY

The key 'community governance' vehicle proposed is New England Energy, a NSW Co-operative. All critical decisions affecting the community (such as site selection and land leases) will be made by the Co-operative. Setting a modest fee for membership will enable the highest possibility of participation and accessibility. The Final Report will recommend a specific membership fee. This is a one-member oneshareholder one-vote structure and will embody the Universal CoOperative Principles detailed earlier in the Design Principles section (and copied to the right).
Illustration 11: Universal Co-Operative Principles
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Illustration 12: Recommended Governance Structure
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By contrast, and to more clearly distinguish the different entity roles, New England Wind will be responsible for all operational decisions for the wind farm. New England Energy will be at all times the majority shareholder in New England Wind. While New England Energy will initially be focussed on the successful fund raising and establishment of New England Wind, it will over time take a leadership role in the development of an energy plan to fulfil its long-term goal, that is:
~ to provide affordable, competitive, accessible, clean & renewable energy for New England to become self-sustaining for its energy: addressing usage, efficiency, embedded generation and distribution through to security, storage, sustainability and education ~
A Community Benefit Plan will be developed for the delivery of returns to the wider community from the wind farm operation (that is, returns beyond those to direct members, shareholders, employees, contractors, landholders and other direct stakeholders in the wind farm).
NEW ENGLAND WIND

An unlisted public company is recommended as the purpose-designed vehicle for the operation of the community wind farm itself. Its majority owner will be New England Energy Co-Operative (detailed above). New England Wind will return a yet to be determined flat percentage of top line income back to the community, comparable to a royalty, probably in the vicinity of 2-3% of gross income (potentially $2.5-3.5m over the 25 year lifespan of the wind turbines). Shareholders will also be required to be members of the Co-Operative to ensure their involvement in the community governance process (noting this is on the basis of a one-member one-shareholder one-vote). The unlisted public company is a one-vote for every share owned structure, with its constitution incorporating anti-takeover protection.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT
There were conflicting views expressed throughout the Study with regard to the involvement of Local Councils. There was support for their inclusion as an investor, however differing views were raised as to Councils on the one hand being key to good governance, as community representatives, and at the same time concerns about their influence and vulnerability to politics.
That starts to allow the Councils influence. Im not saying whether thats good or bad, Im just throwing it on the table.
Some viewed energy as not being a 'core function' for local Council, whereas others felt it could or should be. We propose that the inclusion of each local Council could contribute to the perception of an appropriate governance role. Consideration will be given to the establishment of an Advisory Council for New England Energy as a vehicle for representation from Local Councils and other similar stakeholders. This will be further refined for incorporation into the Final Report.
COMMON GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

The Common Governance Principles reflect a two-entity structure needing to work in concert. Both entities are formed from the same set of Design Principles. These include: Quadruple bottom line approach Accessible decision-makers Open decision-making processes ~ genuinely hearing & responding to community concerns Transparency & accountability Professional merit-based boards & management Investor return 12%pa1 Ceiling on any investment or shareholding to 5-10% of total investment funds
1 This proposed 12% annual return is competitive when compared with the long-term return from Australian Ethical's Small Companies Portfolios of just below 10% up to 30 April 2011.
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POTENTIAL
FOR
PARTICIPATION
An objective of the New England Wind Study was to determine whether there is sufficient support ~ community, investor, landholder, professional, commercial, etc. ~ for the successful establishment of a community wind farm. The overwhelming response, from more than 1,300 people, was positive.
INVESTMENT
As at 4 April 2011, and marking the first 500 respondents to the Online Survey, more than $3m of prospective investment has been indicated in response to the question: How much would you be willing to consider investing? 92% of survey respondents state they would be 'very willing' (36%) or 'would consider' (56%) investing. While only indicative, most of the survey respondents included their contact details adding weight to the integrity of their responses.
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Answer
Response $100 19 $250 14 $500 32 $1,000 50 $2,000 42 $5,000 64 $10,000 33 $20,000 14 $50,000 8 $100,000 5 $250,000 0 $500,000 0 $1,000,000+ 1 Enough to cover my own electricity use 14 Not Sure 30 Total 326
% Total 6% $1,900 4% $3,500 10% $16,000 15% $50,000 13% $84,000 20% $320,000 10% $330,000 4% $280,000 2% $400,000 2% $500,000 0% $0 0% $0 0% $1,000,000 4% $70,000 9% 100% $3,055,400
Illustration 13: Community Survey ~ How much would you be willing to consider investing?
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Community Forums yielded similar results, with a strong majority being supportive of considering both membership and investment in New England Wind. The investor profile, particularly the most frequent investment of $5,000, and the average investment of $10,000, both compare favourably and are stronger than comparable figures for Hepburn Wind (Note: Through Embark a de-identified extract of the Hepburn Wind investor database was made available for analysis to enhance our understanding of the profile, demographics and characteristics of community renewable energy investors. To comply with privacy requirements, the names and addresses of all investors were removed.)
Illustration 14: Importance of Different Reasons for Investing
The reasons and motivations for investors (above) echo the pragmatic views reflected in the Design Principles ~ that is, potential participants are seeking to balance financial returns, essential to the viability and sustainability of the wind farm operation, with their considerations for energy generation and security, climate change and clean energy, economic development, community leadership and public health and safety. These motivations reflect a balancing of returns to investors, direct parties such as employees and energy customers, and the wider community.
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As detailed in the Governance and Enterprise Structure, it is recommended that financial returns for investors be set at 12% per annum, providing a level of surety for the community that returns above this amount with be invested into a Community Benefit Strategy (to be developed). As a benchmark, Hepburn Wind is forecasting a net 16%+ return over 25 years (after covering all operating costs, provisions and their community benefit fund of around 3%).
LANDHOLDERS
Illustration 15: Landholder Forums Hosted with Landcare ~ Kyabra & Walcha
As mentioned earlier, more than 110 landholders expressed interest in hosting turbines. Phase2 work will include assessment of these sites for wind viability and fit with the community-built Design Principles detailed earlier.
PARTNERSHIPS
The range of Partners involved with the New England Wind Consortium is a key strength of the Starfish approach. Each partner has made a significant contribution to date, with highlights including: The Community Mutual Group (TCMG) co-funder this Study, hosted a dedicated forum for investors and have participated in nearly every public event. A dedicated Focus Group will be held with CMG staff and stakeholders to provide feedback and comment on this Preliminary Findings and Recommendations Report. Environmental Defenders' Office (NSW) provided legal advice on NSW CoOperative structures, the transferability of Hepburn Wind's Victorian Cooperative structure, and their application to a community wind farm operation. Wilson & Co have contributed direct professional expertise relating to
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'hybrid structures' and have agreed to develop a "Stake Holding Model" to enable valuation and conversion of non-cash contributions and support for the wind farm (eg. in-kind & pro-bono; sweat capital, discounted services; beneficiaries and affected parties such as neighbours) into share/stake holding. Southern New England Landcare (SNELC) & High Country Urban Biodiversity Project (HiCUB) hosted two community forums ~ Walcha & Kyabra ~ made presentations to their Board and have supported promotion with media releases, newsletters, email announcements and website links. Numerous landholders interested in hosting wind turbines have been reached through the SNELC/HiCUB network. Embark & Hepburn Wind have contributed significant expertise and mentoring, particularly reviewing planning documents and the research matrix. The opportunity to analyse the Hepburn Wind investor database was of significant value. Embark have offered to provide in-kind support with desk-top analysis of possible wind sites at the appropriate time and have indicated that New England Wind is strongly placed to compete for a share in an upcoming seed funding round.
Illustration 16: Survey Working Group (Left to Right): Adam Blakester, Ray South, Assoc. Professor Don Hine, Patsy Asch, Bar Finch, Liz Gardiner, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Methuen Morgan, Mahalath Halperin
The University of New England (UNE) have contributed expertise and software for the Online Survey as well as promotion throughout their
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organisation. Two dedicated forums have been held with UNE ~ one with facilities management hosted by New England Wind and the other hosted by the Renewable Energy Precinct, focussed on development of a renewable energy research institute allied to a community cooperative wind farm. Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA) co-funded this Study and hosted the largest community forum, held in Armidale Town Hall and attended by more than 80 people. A dedicated round table discussion was held with their Energy Working Group and they provided in-kind support with an email listserver (RenewRefGroup) and have promoted New England Wind with media releases, newsletters, website links (pictured below) and a poll.
Illustration 17: SLA Website Promotion
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Four local Councils have supported the New England Wind Study: Armidale Dumaresq Council's Domestic Energy Committee passed a motion of support which will now move to be considered by the full Council. They also provided use of the Armidale Town Hall for the SLA hosted community forum and Deputy Mayor Jim Maher officially opened the forum. Uralla Shire Council provided use of the Uralla Community Centre and
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General Manager Tom O'Connor officially opened the forum. Walcha Council's Deputy Mayor, Kevin Ferrier, attended the community forum and made clear Council's identified interest in wind power development as reflected in their business plans. Glen Innes Severn Council's Mayor, Steve Toms, opened the forum which was also attended by General Manager Hein Basson.
Illustration 18: Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jim Maher, Armidale Dumaresq Council, Town Hall Community Forum
FUNDING BODY ~ NEW ENGLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRECINCT, DECCW

The NSW Government's New England Tablelands Renewable Energy Precinct's support and contribution to the New England Wind Study has been significant and valuable, with highlights including: Numerous joint initiatives with shared promotion and presentations such as the Landholder Wind Forum, UNE Round Tables and Northern Region NSW Aboriginal Land Councils; Access to NSW Government educational materials (Wind Fact Sheet, Community Attitudes Research, Greenhouse Gas Savings) and facilities for meetings; Confidential use of the 3Tier wind mapping data for early analysis of prospective wind farm sites;
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Research into wind power carbon-offset modelling and pricing; Access to Community Attitudes Research to undertake further analysis of New England Tablelands respondents; and, Attendance at nearly every public event and Consortium meetings when appropriate.
This has strengthened the Study's credibility in engagement with key stakeholders, local Councils, landholders and investors.
Illustration 19: Joint A-Frame for Public Displays (Front & Back)
COMMERCIAL
Two commercial sites have been identified as possibilities for on-site generation which could have significant financial advantages due to netting out their electricity costs at a retail cost rate (as distinct to the normal situation of selling generated electricity at a much lower wholesale rate). Two possible partnerships are being investigated with commercial developers with a view to incorporating a distinct community component or stage to their wind farm. Dozens of commercial consultancies, developers and wind turbine distributors/manufacturers have made contact offering to work with New
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England Wind.
STUDY TOURS
Around 250 people have expressed interest in visiting a modern, working wind farm. Similar tours have been identified by Hepburn Wind as key to their success, providing community members the opportunity to gain first hand experience, particularly with regards to issues of visual and acoustic impacts. Visiting working wind farms is key for New England Wind as residents have had a lesser degree of directly experiencing a modern wind farm compared with other NSW Regions which are closer to operational wind farms (Community Attitudes to Wind Farms in NSW, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, 2010).
COMMUNICATION REACH
The communication reach figures detailed (right) reflect the number of direct contacts through the communication network established.
Illustration 20: Communication Reach Statistics

Note: These figures are not discrete and may include multiple references to some individuals or organisations.
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WEB PRESENCE
New England Wind established a web presence (rather than simply a signle website) utilising the following fit-for-purpose sites. The number of visits for each are noted in brackets where available: http://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandWind (8,527) ~ community network building, discussions and links; and, http://www.scribd.com/NewEnglandWind (2,962) ~ document storage and archive for reports, fact files, media coverage, research; http://newenglandwind.shutterfly.com/ ~ photo and video footage; and, http://www.linkedin.com/groups/New-England-Wind ~ professional network building, discussions and links. Each site is cross-linked with the Starfish website providing a central portal. New England Wind has been promoted via partner websites too. Sustainable Living Armidale recorded nearly 600 visits, and a presence has been established on the Embark Wiki.
Illustration 21: FaceBook Usage Statistics
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OTHER
Local funding was invested and matched with NSW Government funding for this Study. This local investment demonstrates leadership, support and shared risk from key stakeholders. It was also important in increasing the resources available for this important first phase of work.
Illustration 22: scribd Statistics
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CHALLENGES & RISKS

Community Renewable Energy projects such as New England Wind have a different risk profile to commercial developments, with a lower profile for community support and planning approval though potentially more complexity with regards to capital raising and accessing professional/technical expertise. The following Challenges & Risks have been identified by community members and stakeholders during the participatory planning process. As such this is a tailored framework relevant to New England which will be integrated with a traditional wind industry risk framework for the purpose of project managing the community wind farm including: planning & development risk; commissioning & operational; project financing risk; grid connection risk; technology & infrastructure risk; environment (flora & fauna, noise, flicker, aesthetic, construction, decommissioning); cultural (sites of significance, native title); governance risk; contract risk; investment risk; supplier risk; policy, regulation & political risk; energy & electricity price risk; inflation; interest; wind resource risk; community/social license. Challenges & Risks Maintaining the Momentum and achieving wellinformed community decision-making and addressing misinformation Relationships with partners & key stakeholders Community tire of story or initiative Sheer scale of initiative and the risk of burnout Responding to magnitude of a bold vision for energy independence Strategies to Address, Avoid, Mitigate Develop and implement comprehensive social marketing education campaign Maintain profile & communication with community Continue to include community in decision-making Publish wind monitoring statistics in the local paper every week Keep a regular eNEWs
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Challenges & Risks Delivering benefits to the wider community (beyond only direct participants such as investors, members, landholders, employees, etc.)is Strategies to Address, Avoid, Mitigate Develop and Implement Community Benefit Plan with strategies such as discounted electricity and energy education and efficiency already identified as likely to be of wider benefit Long-term role for New England Energy is to address energy issues for community and region as a whole Development of strong local community networks to support marketing and capital raising Recommended use of 'hybrid' governance model to attract larger investors Professional Partnerships with expertise particularly site assessment and power sale agreements Investigation of direct sale of electricity to local users (like Hepburn Wind with Red Energy) Ensure adequate provisions are made for decommissioning or refurbishment of turbines Numerous commercial parties already identified as willing to work with New England Wind Partnership with Embark and Support from NSW Renewable Energy Precinct Existing professional service base in New England with commercial wind development likely to bring further opportunities for professional services and partnerships Negotiate management fees in shares to reduce working capital requirements
Raising financial capital in timely manner, Selling the Electricity, Volatility of renewable energy market, Competition (Small Player in a Big Field) for sites, power sale, finance, etc., Tough Global Economic conditions, Decommissioning costs more than Equity & Scrap Value Accessing necessary Professional and Technical Expertise
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Challenges & Risks Carpet-Bagging of Co-Operative Saleability of Shares Strategies to Address, Avoid, Mitigate Specific provisions in New England Energy Constitution Clear Constitutional rules for sale and transfer of shares Strong business model and performance to ensure share value Maintain Register of Interest for prospective purchasers Comprehensive Design Principles developed for turbine siting requirements integrating industry standards with community requirements Prospective list of 110+ landholders interested to host turbines Professional and transparent feasibility study of community wind farm site to ensure integrity with Design Principles and Siting Issues Strong community governance model and majority ownership Maintain strong working relationships with key agencies and Members of Parliament Involvement of Local Government in governance and for expertise with regards to planning and regulation matters Continue to build community networks and support for New England Wind and clean, renewable energy Strong community governance model and majority ownership Cap placed on maximum investor (5-10%) and anti-takeover provisions in the Constitution Defined principles regarding financial return (12%) and Community Benefit Plan
Turbine Siting Issues ~ Noise, Heritage, Property Values, Habitat & Wildlife, Grid Capacity, etc
Political Uncertainty, Unpredictability & Interference (eg. County Councils take-over, Electricity Company Sell-Off) Market Forces take-over, unhealthy profit dominance, investor dominance
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Challenges & Risks Green-Washing & Environmental Integrity Strategies to Address, Avoid, Mitigate Strategic positioning to address 'moral' offsets only (ie. Not financial and legal offsets) Transparent and professional disclosures in the Business Case regarding environmental issues, performance comparisons with other energy sources (including returns on embedded energy) Design Principles for turbine siting address high environmental standards as well as Industry standards for due diligence such as Environmental Impact Assessments Work to date has been open to all community members and stakeholders. Negative opinions have been expressed in both the Survey and during the Forums, particularly at Glen Innes. Concerns raised to date have been particularly about turbine siting issues and ensuring they do not cause community conflict and that they have the support of affected neighbours. The Design Principles have incorporated these risks and issues. Continue to include community in decision-making and high standard of transparency and accountability Develop and implement comprehensive social marketing education campaign Maintain profile & communication with community
Organised Wind Opposition, Being locally based & community led we are more exposed to strident opponents, Potential for work-to-date to have been biased by being mostly those who are supportive
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CONCLUSIONS & NEXT STEPS

The current Study is the first step in a three to five year process for the successful development of a community wind farm (refer below Wind Farm Development Timeline). Some of the key work in Phase2 will include assessment of prospective sites and wind monitoring, research of different turbine technologies, grid connection, power off-take arrangements, formation of the governance structures and investor (deposits, pre-investments) and member recruitment. The development of the Prospectus & Business Plan will be a priority for this purpose including traditional Business Plan Requirements plus Acoustics, Infra-Sound, Wind Data, Case Studies of other Community Wind Farm Performance, Displacement of Coal-Fired/Other Power Generation, Base Load and Back Up, Maintenance, Refurbishment, Decommissioning, Energy Storage, Electromagnetic Interference, Traffic and Transport, Cultural Heritage, Native Title and Archaeology, Aviation, Landscape and Visual Impact, Property Values. The most important immediate priority, other than completing the Study in full, is to successfully secure seed funding to commence this Phase 2 work.
Illustration 23: Wind Farm Development Timeline ~ Kyoto Energy Park, Parmada
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FEEDBACK
FOR
FINAL REPORT
As noted at the beginning of this Report, the immediate priority is to seek comment and feedback on these Preliminary Findings and Recommendations for refinement into the Final Report (due June 2011). To support this several partners ~ The University of New England, The Community Mutual Group and Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce ~ have each agreed to host focus group discussions of the Preliminary Findings and provide further input into the Final Report & Recommendations. A range of communications will be undertaken ~ media, email, website, newsletters ~ to promote the preliminary findings throughout the region and across the community networks.
OUTSTANDING TASKS
As noted within this report there are several specific tasks requiring completion: Prepare a discrete set of recommendations and protocols to assist with the development, membership, marketing of similar community co-operatives in other NSW renewable energy precincts; Summary of Relevant Government Legislation, Regulation, Policy & Programs to be added based upon draft Community Wind Guidelines developed by Jonathan Carle, NSW Department of Planning; Determination of the Minimum Investment (amount and structure, such as savings plans with Community Mutual Group) and Membership Fee for the Co-operative; Consideration will be given to the establishment of an Advisory Council for New England Energy as a vehicle for representation from Local Councils and other similar stakeholders; Clarification of Share Classes (Co-operative Member and Investor Classes; Institutional Investor Class for the Unlisted Public Company; Integrate findings from analysis of New England respondents to DECCW Community Attitudes Research; and, Identify Policy Findings & Recommendations from Community Renewable Energy Case Studies Research (Community Power Agency).
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WIND FARM STUDY TOURS
As noted earlier in this Report some 250 people have expressed interest in visiting a modern, working wind farm. This is a key strategy for New England Wind given the lower direct experience of wind farms by local residents compared with other NSW Regions. To cater for different budgets two Wind Farm Tours are proposed. A multi-day coach trip for the budget conscious, and an overnight charter-flight for investors.
SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN ~ KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

The development of community knowledge and understanding is central to the success of New England Wind. It was recognised that most of this information is widely available however needs to be packaged, promoted and presented for the New England as a social marketing campaign (similar to the Farming the Sun solar energy initiative). This campaign would include: Public Speaking Tour with Embark & Hepburn Wind Community Outreach; Information Displays and Stalls; Presentations; Building the Love of Wind down under Ask the Kids (Origami 'Why Wind' Campaign) Landscape Art Prize Partnership with Wind Information Centre (Walcha, UNE, CsiRO) Core Website and continued Web Presence; Film and Documentary Screenings; FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Finding Forums
Illustration 24: Origami Windmill Campaign
MEDIUM TERM PRIORITIES

Nearly 300 people indicated their willingness to complete a follow up survey. This provides the basis to investigate key issues moving into Phase 2 of work, particularly the development of the Community Benefits Plan.
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NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
As detailed earlier, the NSW Government has been a significant partner and contributor to the successful outcomes in proving the feasibility for a community wind farm in the New England Tablelands. Continued support and liaison through the Renewable Energy Precinct and Office of Environment and Heritage is seen as key. The most pressing priority now is securing seed funding for Phase 2 work detailed above. There is a window of opportunity right now to sustain the momentum already established. The following practical supports would also be of valuable assistance: Sponsorship for Wind Farm Study Tours; Assistance collecting statistics for the energy footprint (usage, generation, green power, etc.) for the New England; Confidential use of 3Tier Wind Maps to assess wind turbine sites; Model distances for prospective turbine sites compared with the Design Principles (distance from existing dwellings, commercial wind resource, acoustic footprint, ecology values, etc.); Clarification of relevant regulation for Local Council investment; and, Training to create and maximise local employment and business opportunities.
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RELEVANT GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION, REGULATION, POLICY & PROGRAMS
As noted above. Summary to be included in Final Report & Recommendations, based upon draft Community Wind Guidelines developed by Jonathan Carle, NSW Department of Planning.
GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN
Areas of the Glen Innes Severn Council have been identified as suitable for the generation of wind energy. Council determined it necessary to have Development Control measures to ensure Council has policy to control or guide proposed wind farm developments, to allow better guide decision making on such proposals for the community and developers. Council supports the notion of alternate energy sources such as wind energy generation. Wind farms have been identified in the Glen Innes Severn Council Economic Development Strategy 2008 2010 as potential developments for the area. Where visible from a non related dwelling or immediate surrounds a wind farm development shall not be located within 15 times the blade tip height or 2kms (which ever is the greater) of any dwelling not associated with the development or 15 times the blade tip height or 2kms (which ever is the greater) from a reasonable, practical and suitable dwelling site on any lot that has been created for the purpose of a dwelling. Where turbines are proposed to be significantly higher than such properties or dwellings, or where the turbines will dominate the immediate view from the dwelling or dwelling lot, increasing these separation distances is recommended.
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APPENDICES
TURBINE TOURISM
Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 2008, Natalie Muller Wind farms are providing more than power - they are also bringing in the tourist dollar... The novelty of the white windmill forests is something that is attracting curious visitors in droves. At a time when climate change and renewable energy are concerns, it is not hard to understand why there is an interest. Most wind farms in Australia cater for tourists, providing viewing platforms and information booths. A wind farm in Albany... has a network of paths around the base of the turbines, with boards with stories and facts. Jon Berry, the manager of economic development at Albany Council, said the turbines had enhanced the value of the area. "The combination of the wind farm and a spectacular coastal setting has made it the most popular tourist destination in Albany," he said. Tim Brady of Codrington farm, which has been in Brady's wife's family since 1856 is near Port Fairy, Victoria. In 2001 it gained 14 wind turbines and became Australia's largest (at the time), and Victoria's first, wind farm. An open day for the public in 2001 showed just how much interest there was. "Thousands of people showed up. We were bowled over by the amount of people who came out to the country to have a look," Brady said. Codrington still functions as a farm, and cattle and sheep roam between the turbines (which take up only 1 per cent of the land). Brady runs tours in and around the turbines. Helen Schuuring runs wind-farm tours at Tasmania's Woolnorth farm. She has been giving tours of the property since 1980. After the 37 wind turbines were added, she said, the number of visitors increased by about a third.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Starfish Enterprises and the New England Wind Consortium would especially like to thank the following contributors to this first phase of work: Survey Working Group ~ Associate Professor Don Hine, Patsy Asch, Bar Finch, Elizabeth Gardiner, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Methuen Morgan, Mahalath Halperin Branding Working Group ~ Rose Cutts, Iain Mackay, Emily Thomas-Moore, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Patsy Asch, Bar Finch Paul Cruickshank, Regional Coordinator Precinct | New England Tablelands, NSW Office of Environment & Heritage.
A Register of Contributions is being prepared to compile a more comprehensive record of individual and organisational contributions towards New England Wind.
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NEW ENGLAND WIND CONSORTIUM
The New England Wind Consortium was established by Starfish, bringing together funding, research and community partners to perform the key governance function for this Study. The Study has been funded utilising NSW Department of Fair Trading's Cooperative Research fund at its core. This is a matching funding structure with other funding partners being: NSW Department of Environment Climate Change & Water; The Community Mutual Group; Sustainable Living Armidale; and, Farming the Sun and Starfish Enterprises. To better reach the breadth of expertise and stakeholder interests Community and Research Partners were engaged, including: Embark; The University of New England; Armidale & District Chamber of Commerce; Environmental Defenders Office; and, Wilson & Co. Lawyers. Regional Development Australia Northern Inland were part of the original Consortium however chose to withdraw involvement during the early stages of work.
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ABOUT STARFISH
Starfish Enterprises is a network of community entrepreneurs specialising in initiatives which support regions to shift to sustainability. Its core capabilities include community enterprise, participatory planning, network governance and strategies for social change. The New England Sustainability Strategy (NESS) operates under the auspices of Starfish and is an innovative multi-stakeholder network governance structure and process. Starfish coordinates Farming the Sun ~ Australia's largest community solar enterprise involving small to mid sized solar power systems, evacuated tube solar hot water and solar thermal air heating and cooling technology. This New England Wind Study extends and builds upon the success of Farming the Sun and the priority for 'new energy' identified through the New England Sustainability Strategy. Starfish recently facilitated the community dialogues and stakeholder research for the innovative Northern Inland Regional Development Plan. International work includes the Forest Farmacia community health initiative with Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.
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PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS ILLUSTRATION INDEX

Illustration 1: Solar Trackers & Micro-Wind, Kyabra ............................................................................................................... 3 Illustration 2: Armidale Community Forum................4 Illustration 3: Public Launch of New England Wind Study, New England Wind Consortium Members.........................................................................................7 Illustration 4: Uralla Community Forum ~ Interest to Invest...........................................................................................9 Illustration 5: "What sources of electricity would you prefer to be creating electricity for the New England?" ~ Community Survey...................................11 Illustration 6: Community Participation.....................12 Illustration 7: Design Principles........................................15 Illustration 8: Community Outreach ~ Gaslands Screening, Belgrave Cinema..........................................17 Illustration 9: Survey Findings: Which Investors fit the "Community-Owned" Purpose?..........................18 Illustration 10: Glen Innes Community Forum.......19 Illustration 11: Universal Co-Operative Principles ............................................................................................................ 20 Illustration 12: Recommended Governance Structure.......................................................................................21 Illustration 13: Community Survey ~ How much would you be willing to consider investing?.........24 Illustration 14: Importance of Different Reasons for Investing................................................................................25 Illustration 15: Landholder Forums Hosted with Landcare ~ Kyabra & Walcha.......................................26 Illustration 16: Survey Working Group (Left to Right):.............................................................................................. 27 Illustration 17: SLA Website Promotion......................28 Illustration 18: Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jim Maher, Armidale Dumaresq Council, Town Hall Community Forum.................................................................29 Illustration 19: Joint A-Frame for Public Displays (Front & Back)............................................................................30 Illustration 20: Communication Reach Statistics 31 Illustration 21: FaceBook Usage Statistics................32 Illustration 22: scribd Statistics.........................................33 Illustration 23: Wind Farm Development Timeline ~ Kyoto Energy Park, Parmada.....................................38 Illustration 24: Origami Windmill Campaign..........40
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PRELIMINARY REPORT

NEW ENGLAND TABLELANDS COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

It is a great initiative and I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Can we please get started as soon as possible?

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS TABLE

Executive Summary.......................................................2 Reporting Structure........................................................5

Challenges & Risks........................................................34 Conclusions & Next Steps........................................38

Community Governance & Enterprise Structure.............................................................................20

Potential for Participation.......................................24

Acknowledgements..................................................................44 New England Wind Consortium........................................45 About Starfish................................................................................. 46

Illustration 2: Armidale Community Forum

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

FINALISE FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 4: Uralla Community Forum ~ Interest to Invest

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 6: Community Participation

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 7: Design Principles

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

DESIGN PRINCIPLES MAP

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 9: Survey Findings: Which Investors fit the "Community-Owned" Purpose?

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 10: Glen Innes Community Forum

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE & ENTERPRISE STRUCTURE

NEW ENGLAND ENERGY

Illustration 11: Universal Co-Operative Principles

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY

PRELIMINARY REPORT: FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Illustration 12: Recommended Governance Structure

COMMUNITY WIND FARM STUDY