P.E.I. rinks could make ice with wind

Information sessions are being offered this week for P.E.I. communities interested in having wind turbines set up at their local rinks.

The projects were made more viable last month by the introduction of a net-metering program, essentially allowing electricity meters to run backward when the wind turbine is creating more energy than the rink needs.

"The purpose of this session is basicallyto advise community rinks what the program is all about," said Scott Harper, CEO of the Wind Energy Institute of Canada.

"We're also providing them with a bit of an information package, showing them where they may be able to put a turbine and some of their considerations that they should look at regarding proximity to neighbours and things of that nature."

The rink program was developed through the Wind Energy Institute of Canada and the P.E.I. government. Harper is hoping the first turbines will be in place by the time the ice goes in next fall.