Finally I'll mention the fact that there are ways (at least in some states) to make use of wind power right away without building it for yourself. Rocky Mountain Power, which provides power to customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, has a program known as Blue Sky, which allows its customers to purchase power sourced completely from wind energy.

Developing new, standby or alternative power sources for your station gives you an opportunity to exercise your environmental convictions — but it goes farther than that now. Energy prices are increasing — without looking back — and considering ways to break our dependence on the traditional sources of energy makes financial sense even now and probably more so into the future.

Irwin is chief engineer of WKTU, New York

Resource Guide

Active Power
512-744-9461
www.activepower.com

APC/MGE
800-788-2208
www.mgeups.com

Caterpillar
309-675-1000
www.cat.com

Cummins/Onan
763-574-5296
www.cumminsonan.com

Falcon Electric
800-842-6940
www.falconups.com

Generac
888-GENERAC
www.generac.com

Kohler
800-544-2444
www.kohlerpower.com

Tripp Lite
773-869-1111
www.tripplite.com