North Strabane supervisors are facing a request from a resident that no one anticipated. And while it may be the first request of its kind, it's not likely to be the last.

Frank Weber, of 122 Grandview Drive, asked supervisors Tuesday for permission to erect a wind turbine on his 6.5-acre yard to help cut the cost of his utility bill.

Mr. Weber said he is concerned about the cost of heating his 3,900-square-foot home.

The wind turbine will generate 1.8 kilowatts of power and his home uses 4 kilowatts. The Skystream turbine he's chosen from Wind Turbines of Ohio LLC in Salem, Ohio, is about 50 feet high and will be at an elevation of 2,300 feet.

Mr. Weber said the turbine is a no-noise, no-smoke, and no-pollution way to complement energy production for his home.

"This is not a thing of the future, it's a thing of today," he said.

Solicitor Patrick Smider said there is no provision in township ordinances governing wind turbines, but a turbine would be more akin to a communications tower than to a flag pole. Thus, Mr. Smider said, a turbine may have to meet the same requirements as a communications tower.

He said some people may object to the sight of a turbine, but it's not a bad idea.

Manager Frank Siffrinn told Mr. Weber the first step is to attend a zoning hearing board meeting and ask for instructions about the proper procedure. The subject matter underscores the need for the township to look at the subject and he's expecting more requests in the future.

"It's something we need to start looking at," Mr. Siffrinn said.

Mr. Weber said he plans to attend the Aug. 6 zoning hearing board meeting.

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm doing everything I can to move this forward."

Mr. Weber's turbine would be the only one at a residence but it wouldn't be the only one in the township. A wind turbine was installed a couple of years ago on the campus of North Strabane Intermediate School in the Canon-McMillan School District.

The wind turbine was funded by a grant from the state Energy Development Authority. It is 35 feet high, but with the blades, the height is 42 feet high. It is as loud as the hum of a refrigerator. It generates 1.8 kilowatts of power and the turbine was valued at $10,000.

The wind turbine isn't enough to generate electricity for the entire school, but it helps. Also, it's a tool for teaching students about alternative energy technology.

Chairman Brian Spicer said the school's wind turbine wasn't opening the door for wind energy in the township. Mr. Smider said that turbine is for public use.

Installing a turbine will cost $15,000, Mr. Weber said. He is looking into receiving tax incentives or even grants to help defray the cost, but he said the alternative energy source will pay for itself within five years and will cut his electric bill in half.

Mr. Weber has applied to Allegheny Power for an interconnection permit. A conduit must be run from the turbine to his house's power grid. A disconnect switch also must be installed.

"I want to be the pioneer here in the area," he said. "Once it starts, it's going to take off."