The Portsmouth wind turbine generator went online last night, according to an e-mail this morning from Economic Development Committee chair Rich Talipsky. Although it is still officially in test mode, says Talipsky, it is already cranking out money for the town.

The Portsmouth Wind Turbine Generator started its official test, continuously supplying power to National Grid Wednesday evening March 19th. The generator is undergoing a 12 hour test during which it must operate continuously and flawlessly as its final test to be put in continuous, automatic operation on the electric grid. After the successful completion of the test (expected mid day on Thursday, March 20th), the town will begin it process of reviewing contractor records and conducting verifications before it accepts ownership of the wind turbine. Even before the town accepts ownership it still accumulates energy credits from National Grid and Renewable Energy Certificates that equates to revenue for the town.