Here is a letter to the Editor at South Coast Today on the topic of insurance liability for the turbine neighbours, involuntary or otherwise.
We already checked with a major Canadian insurer about this issue and were told that as long as a homeowner doesn’t have a turbine actually on his or her property, there are no issues. We beg to differ, but believe this will become an issue in the fullness of time. Clearly, though, landowners who have leased property for turbine installations, and waived the 550-meter setback, will be having discussions with their insurers, and doubtless, increased insurance rates. Might be worth checking that voluminous contract again, too, to see where the liability rests.
Note too, the ski hill operator in Thunder Bay whose insurance policy was going to be cancelled by his insurer due to safety concerns (ice throw, blade failure, etc.).
Here is the letter:
LETTER: Turbine neighbors must consider insurance rates
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Turbine neighbors must consider insurance rates
Many cities and towns in Massachusetts are allowing commercial wind turbines by special permit within hundreds of feet of residential homes. In some cases, these turbines are as high as the Statue of Liberty.
Setbacks are new to residential home owners, as well as your insurance company. The insurance companies currently set rates for distance to fire hydrants, distance to fire stations, residential rates, commercial rates, flood rates, single family, two family, etc.
If you called your insurance agent today about commercial wind turbines, it would have no idea what you are talking about in regard to rate increases/changes.
Residential insurance rates are a valid consideration, and one that ought to be examined, especially by homeowners who will be directly affected by the turbines, which will include living within the blade throw, ice throw, fire, lightning, environmental spill hazards, etc.
Since this setback issue is new for the insurance companies, actuaries for the insurance companies will be figuring out the exposure to commercial wind turbines only after they are installed in your neighborhoods.
As the state moves forward, Massachusetts residents within the commercial wind turbine zone should be advised how to insure against a commercial wind turbine and tower.
Frank Haggerty
Mattapoisett
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101228/OPINION/12280348
Contact us: northgowerwindactiongroup@yahoo.ca
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