I learned from the press that the Ontario government is pressing toward new legislation governing green power, including hydroelectric projects.

I have suggested before, and do so again, that a program be commenced to equip farms with water-powered electric generators.

Most farmers have some surface water running through their property, and these streams can generate electric power through conversion of kinetic energy to electricity by means of a low-head Pelton Wheel turbine. This generator has been known to last for decades without any maintenance. If it feeds a two-way electric power meter, so that excess energy enters the Ontario grid instead of being stored in lead-acid batteries (which do need maintenance and frequent replacement), the farmer will not be inconvenienced and will save money, and electric power will be conserved.

Wind turbines generate electric power in a form that farmers who host them cannot use; they must continue to tap the power grid for home use. The wind-generated power enters the grid and the farmer pays a high "line loss" to use the same electricity. A hydroelectric generator can serve the farmer directly.

A BC firm has for several years offered water generation systems, but for high waterfalls (ie, high-head turbines) commonly found in that province. Ontario being more level, its turbines must be of the lowhead design. The Ontario government can assist farmers by organizing bulk purchases of turbines, making cheap installation service available and alleviating any concerns of the watershed conservation authorities.

Within a few short years, many farms could be contributing to power requirements while reducing their energy costs. I hope you can urge the government to pursue this option speedily.

Finally, while wind turbines now emplaced cause noisy environments for farm neighbours and livestock, the main demand for electricity arises in Toronto, Windsor and Hamilton - not in Ontario's farmlands. Therefore, to reduce inconvenience for farmers and save on delivery costs, wind turbines should be installed on the tops of high buildings and offshore in Lake Ontario, and not on valuable farmland.
Charles Hooker
Orangeville