County plans renewable energy district
By RON SELAK JR. Tribune Chronicle
POSTED: January 30, 2008
WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners today are expected to sign off on supporting the creation of a renewable energy district, an area in which a large number of Trumbull County residents would agree to use renewable power sources to save energy.
It’s part of a plan to conserve energy while attracting and stimulating business, specifically high-tech business, county officials said.
Planning officials say they’re targeting Niles, Newton Falls and Hubbard in the early stages. Talks already happened between county and Niles’ leaders.
‘‘They have their own municipal electric system through AMP Ohio,’’ Trumbull County Planning Commission Director Alan Knapp said. ‘‘They’re the biggest in the area with their own (power system).’’
Newton Falls and Hubbard also have private electric systems.
Niles Mayor Ralph Infante could not be reached for comment.
The push is part of a larger economic stimulus plan to use eco-friendly energy — solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power — generation and conservation to attract more high-tech businesses to Trumbull County.
They’re saying the need for equipment — everything from solar panels to turbines — to generate this type of power is great and the spectrum of possibilities for businesses is wide, from existing manufacturers to new companies.
Planning commission member Jim Shader said because of Ohio’s role in the presidential election, the time is right to start generating buzz around the idea, hoping it will be noticed by state or federal leaders, who may be able to offer assistance in getting this off the ground.
‘‘If we can get their support, their funding, get help in organizing resources we already have in Trumbull County, we can build an industry called renewable energy,’’ Shader said. ‘‘It’s all about timing.’’
rselak@tribune-chronicle.com
