Wind technicians are in short supply

In “A Mighty Wind” [WW, March 11, 2009], Nigel Jaquiss writes that wind farms “don’t require many workers to run” and that workers “spend most of their time sitting in control rooms.” These statements are incorrect. In fact, there is a desperate shortage of qualified wind technicians. The optimum ratio of technicians to towers is 1 to 8, but nationally, the ratio is currently 1 to 80.

It was estimated in 2007 that our area would need 300-430 technicians within several years; as towers keep going up, that estimate keeps increasing. The contract workers Jaquiss saw (who are local residents, by the way) are a temporary bridge. Eventually PGE must hire permanent technicians, competing with other companies for the few qualified people available.

The optimum ratio of technicians to towers is 1 to 8, but nationally, the ratio is currently 1 to 80.

The key word is “qualified.” Wind technicians must know mechanics, hydraulics and electronics, be comfortable using algebra, and be able to climb up to six 250-foot towers per day. Wind jobs also aren’t concentrated in metropolitan areas, like the solar factories Jaquiss mentions. They won’t benefit unskilled, urban job-seekers.

But wind farms provide family-wage jobs in rural areas that badly need them. Wind workers’ spending enriches their communities, their taxes enrich the state, and their families will need fewer state services than those of unemployed or minimum-wage workers. Wind farms also boost county tax revenues. Investing in wind does produce substantial benefits—especially if some of that investment supports programs like Columbia Gorge Community College’s Renewable Energy Technology program, where my husband and his colleagues teach future wind technicians.

Joan Gaustad

Gresham

CORRECTIONS: In “Randy Shoots” last week, WW misidentified the Portland icon that Commissioner Randy Leonard likened to the Eiffel Tower. It is the Portland Rose Festival.

Also, a Murmur last week incorrectly reported the status of House Bill 3465. The bill was amended to remove any reference to bestiality before it went to the House floor.

WW regrets the errors.