The Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Thursday to permit private and distributed wind generators in the county.

A wind generator is considered private, said Supervisor Janelle Rettig, if it does not directly generate income for its owner. Such generators are often smaller and less numerous than commercial generators found on wind farms, often used by an individual for private property or a subdivision.

However, the permit would allow energy companies to buy back excess power from private wind generators, allowing their owners a tax credit.

Rettig said supervisors developed this policy as part of a statewide Wind Innovation Zone initiative, making Johnson County one of the first counties to receive the designation.

— by Luke Voelz