When residents of an isolated island off the coast of Maine found their utility bills rising to three times what mainlanders paid, their local energy cooperative turned to wind as a clean and affordable energy alternative. It seemed like the perfect solution, combining Down East thrift with a conservation ethic. Perfect, that is, till the three turbines began spinning. For those living at a distance, it was a marvel and a source of local pride. But for those living within a half mile of the wind farm, the noise of the propellers resembled a jet plane, with a vibration that shook the earth. Now residents find themselves bitterly divided. Wind advocates are asking what needs to be done to deal with the downsides of what has long been viewed as a benign source of renewable energy.

Guests: Addison Ames, Maine lobsterman; fifth generation Vinalhaven native; board member, Fox

Islands Electric Co-op Ethan Hall, Carpenter, homesteader, native of Vinalhaven Island

When residents of an isolated island off the coast of Maine found their utility bills rising to three times what mainlanders paid, their local energy cooperative turned to wind as a clean and affordable energy alternative. It seemed like the perfect solution, combining Down East thrift with a conservation ethic. Perfect, that is, till the three turbines began spinning. For those living at a distance, it was a marvel and a source of local pride. But for those living within a half mile of the wind farm, the noise of the propellers resembled a jet plane, with a vibration that shook the earth. Now residents find themselves bitterly divided. Wind advocates are asking what needs to be done to deal with the downsides of what has long been viewed as a benign source of renewable energy.

Guests: Addison Ames, Maine lobsterman; fifth generation Vinalhaven native; board member, Fox

Islands Electric Co-op Ethan Hall, Carpenter, homesteader, native of Vinalhaven Island