City plans to build windmill farm

Turns out Houstonist isn't the only one hurting from higher electricity costs — the city of Houston's light bill is expected to increase $30 million this year, up from last year's $100 million (and just a couple thousand dollars more than our monthly bill — damn that air conditioner!). But the city has a plan to help combat its high bills: It's thinking of going into the power generating business itself with a windmill farm.

The city is seeking a $50 million loan to build 17 nearly 400-foot-tall windmills in Kenedy County in far South Texas. The windmills would connect to the state power grid, from which Houston would take the energy they generate. Wind energy costs a steady 6 cents per kilowatt hour, according to KTRK, which would allow the city to (at least partially) avoid the fluctuating price of electricity. Plus, we imagine the idea of wind-generated electricity appeals to Mayor Bill White's green sensibilities.

"If you can get a renewable source of energy where there's no pollution, we ought to go for it," said Mayor White.

The proposal is awaiting approval from the IRS, after which it'll go before City Council. Assuming everything gets approved, the windmills could begin operating in 2008.