Nine windmills of the Spanish Fork Wind Farm have risen to their full height in Spanish Fork Canyon. They will begin adding electricity to the grid late this summer.

Wind-powered electric generators are one of the least polluting sources of power. Once they are built, they release no pollutants into the ecosystem. Wind generation bypasses the need for a steady supply of fossil fuels it does not produce hazardous wastes like nuclear plants. New hydroelectric power plants are uncommon because there are very few suitable sites that are not already developed. The disadvantage of wind power has been the cost of producing power.

The power generated by the wind farm in Spanish Fork Canyon for the next twenty years has been purchased by Rocky Mountain Power. None will be used in Spanish Fork. Mayor Joe Thomas explained that the cost of power generated was greater than that produced by existing facilities serving the city. To purchase power from the wind farm at this point would increase power costs to Spanish Fork residents. Having the farm located in the city will, however, increase tax income. When the current contract expires in twenty years, Spanish Fork can bid on the new contract if the power is needed.

Wind generation of electric power is not a new technology. Farms have been present in California for several decades. As the cost of fossil-fuel based power generation increases, wind generated power will likely become a major source of new power generation.