SB12 Summary: Alabama Wind Energy Conversion Systems Act of 2014

• Requires persons to obtain permits from the Public Service Commission before constructing, installing, or operating wind energy conversion systems in Alabama.

• Mandates that system designs be certified by a licensed engineer with wind energy experience and comply with all building and electrical codes.

• Establishes setback requirements: systems must maintain distance of at least five times the tower height from occupied structures, 1.5 times the combined tower and blade height from public roads, and 1.5 times tower height from overhead power lines.

• Requires applicants to maintain financial assurance for site reclamation and removal of abandoned systems, plus $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage for the system's operational life.

• Prohibits systems from operating for less than 365 consecutive days without being deemed abandoned and requires removal; systems not in operation must be removed unless operator requests commission delay with proof of future operability.