Bird and Bat Issues FAQs

1. What action is FPL Energy taking to protect birds and bats at its wind facilities?

Perhaps the most important action we take is to carefully evaluate proposed sites — before wind turbines are installed — to assess potential impacts to birds and bats. Environmental experts within our company are in regular contact with local wildlife agencies and environmental organizations to ensure we have information on local and migratory species and bird/bat behavior as it relates to the proposed site.

Experts are frequently brought in to review the new site and make recommendations to help reduce risks to birds and bats. We are also participating in industry groups such as the National Wind Coordinating Committee to better understand and reduce the already low impact of our operations on birds/bats.

In February 2004, FPL Energy helped sponsor a unique collaboration of agency personnel, academics, consultants and wind turbine owners to exchange information about what is known about bat/turbine interactions and to develop an action plan to conduct further research on the issue. FPL Energy sponsored research at its Mountaineer Wind Energy Center in West Virginia and Meyersdale Wind Energy Center in the fall of 2004, and is helping to fund a research position at Bat Conservation International for several years.

FPL Energy will continue to conduct risk assessments and share this information with the wind industry to help reduce wind plant risk to birds nationwide.

2. Has FPL Energy had any bird or bat fatality events at its facilities?

Wind power and bird/bat populations can and do coexist. While we have had bird and bat kills at some of our locations, the majority of our facilities experience a low incidence of bird or bat collision. In the cases where there have been fatalities, our environmental specialists and bird consultants conduct thorough investigations, and whenever possible, corrective actions are taken to help prevent recurrence. We also have various research projects beginning or under way to help us learn effective ways to reduce fatalities, including migration, nest use, avoidance behavior, searcher efficiency and scavenger interactions.

3. What are the statistics related to bat collisions?

Very little is known about bat and wind turbine interaction. Bat fatalities have been studied at several wind facilities nationwide.The numbers of bats involved are small at most wind plants. Some studies suggest that bats may ignore their “sonar,” causing them to be more likely to accidentally fly into towers. There are a number of questions and theories regarding bat and wind turbine interaction, including whether

• turbines emit a noise that is attractive to bats
• the color of the turbines is an issue
• insects are attracted to the turbines (insects are prey for many species of bats)
• lighting is an issue.

This is an area of science that is in its infancy, so not much is known about these issues. We can say that no endangered or threatened species have been involved.

4. There are ongoing reports of raptor fatalities in the Altamont Pass region of California. Can you explain what actions are being taken to reduce raptor fatalities at this site?

The Altamont Pass represents the “birthplace” of commercial wind operation. Altamont Pass has high year-round use by raptors, a substantial prey base and a significant number of early generation turbines. Through research and development efforts in the Altamont, the wind industry has been able to improve siting criteria, equipment design and facility operation.

FPL Energy is currently working with a stakeholder group that includes environmental advocates, agency representatives, landowners and turbine owners to find ways to protect birds in the Altamont. FPL Energy consults with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Energy Commission, California Department of Fish and Game and local county government agencies to ascertain the effectiveness of potential mitigation measures.

FPL Energy and its partners have already removed 169 older turbines in the Altamont and replaced them with 31 modern turbines. In addition, the company has shut down and will either remove or relocate nearly 100 additional wind turbines in areas identified as being high risk to raptors. We have also retrofitted utility structures to reduce electrocution hazards.

Other steps being taken by the turbine owners in the Altamont, including FPL Energy, are

• seasonal shutdowns of one half of Altamont’s 5,000+ turbines during all of November and December, alternating with the second half being shut down during January and February, which started in November 2005
• retrofitting power poles to prevent bird electrocutions
• removal of derelict turbines, towers and overhead lines
• scientific monitoring and
• long-term commitment to repowering.

5. Why is wind energy a good choice for electricity generation?

Even with the best energy conservation measures, energy demand continues to grow. New electrical generation must be built, and FPL Energy believes that renewable wind energy is an environmentally friendly technology, providing electricity that helps boost our economy and improve our quality of life. Wind power is also economical, and utilities and other energy businesses that add wind generation to their portfolios help diversify the nation’s energy supply while meeting customers’ electricity needs. Diversified energy portfolios mean lower costs for the consumer and decreased dependence on fossil fuels. When utilities and their customers are faced with the choice of how best to meet energy demands while protecting the environment, wind power stands out as a great alternative.