Wind energy or wind power describes the process by which wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind power is one the oldest forms of power in use, it has been used to move ships, grind grain and pump water and around the turn of the century, farmers & ranchers used their windmills to generate power for their farms. With the establishment of REA, and the creation of a grid system bringing reliable and affordable power to the countryside, most landowners abandoned their wind-powered generators.

Over the past 20 years, the increased concern over the environment, the creation of more efficient wind turbines and the rising cost of fossil fuels have created a new interest in using wind power to generate electricity. There are wind farms (areas where numerous windmills are located in close proximity) through out the Midwest and southwest. These wind farms are generating enough electricity to power over a million homes and more sites are being established.

Currently, East Kentucky Power is conducting a study in southeastern Kentucky to determine the feasibility of wind generation.

The study began in 2001 when with the help of a wind consultant, 15 potential sites were identified. Eventually, two sites were selected for extensive monitoring. In December of 2002, Fifty-meter tall wind towers with monitoring equipment were placed at each site to collect data for twelve to eighteen months.

At the end of that time, the data will be analyzed to estimate the feasibility of building wind turbines at those locations and bringing wind power to Kentucky.