Geneseo Evaluating Future of Wind Turbine After Generator Failure

One of Geneseo's municipal wind turbines has been out of service for more than two months after suffering a generator failure, and city officials are evaluating whether to repair, replace or permanently retire the unit.

Director of Electrical Operations Eric Rowold updated the City Council in June, explaining that Wind Turbine #1 has been offline since April 30 because of a generator failure. The city has filed an insurance claim related to the damage.

City staff evaluated the failed generator and identified three possible paths forward:

  • Replace the generator.

  • Decommission the wind turbine.

  • Replace the entire turbine.

Replacing the generator would not be a quick fix. Rowold said the replacement generator would need to be manufactured in Germany, resulting in an estimated six- to nine-month lead time, in addition to what he described as a significant cost.

Despite the turbine being offline, Rowold said the failure is not expected to have a significant impact on the city's current budget. However, Geneseo Municipal Utilities is purchasing additional electricity while the turbine remains out of service.

The city is still awaiting a decision on its insurance claim. Officials have submitted a generator replacement quote from WES Engineering, a partner of Vensys US, to the city's insurance carrier.

At the same time, the city has also requested a quote to decommission the turbine, indicating officials are continuing to evaluate multiple options while awaiting the insurance decision.

No decision has been made on the turbine's future. City officials are expected to revisit the issue at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole Meeting (7-28-26).

For now, Wind Turbine #1 remains out of service while the city continues evaluating whether repairing, replacing or decommissioning the turbine is the best long-term solution.

Sources: City of Geneseo, Regular Council Meeting – June 9, 2026 Agenda (Director of Electrical Operations Wind Turbine Update); City of Geneseo, Regular Council Meeting – July 14, 2026 Agenda (Capital Planning 26 Projects – 07.14.26).