Strong winds have blown across Illinois’ prairies for hundreds of years, and the state’s residents have used that natural force to provide power in various ways.

But the modern-day windmill, known as a wind turbine, is getting a lot of attention in county boardrooms these days as elected officials contemplate the effectiveness, as well as the energy and cost savings of harnessing wind power to generate electricity.

Companies that specialize in wind turbines have been encouraging county officials throughout the state to consider the wind turbines, especially in light of the potential to capture some of the $80 billion that President Barack Obama had earmarked for clean energy and green infrastructure as part of the federal economic stimulus bills he signed early in 2009.

County politicians have been intrigued by the prospect of generating power in a less expensive manner, but many have been cautious as well and feel a need to obtain more information.

Companies like Chicago-based GSY Energy Inc. provide field tests to determine if the geography and wind flow through a region of a county would support the wind power. Those conducting the studies have told government officials that a wind resource (or how hard the wind is blowing without resistance) can change in as small an area as 100 feet. But they monitor entire corridor regions, which can be several miles in length, and sometimes represent a specific area of a county such as its far west side.

As the thought of 65- to 130-foot wind turbines dotting the countryside is being debated, individual landowners and homeowners have raised the question of whether a smaller model wind turbine could be purchased to power their own homes or businesses.

Interest in private wind turbines is increasing, and experts have noted that they are not a factor in either lowering or increasing property values. Despite some federal and state rebate programs that help pay for wind turbines, many counties are slowing down that process, wanting to make sure they have clear ordinances and guidelines in place for their installation and use.

It is widely known that Holland has long used windmills and wind turbines for power, but those in the industry also remind politicians contemplating their use that states like California and Kansas utilize wind turbines.

For now, it is clear that wind turbines are going to be getting much attention and study in the near future as states weigh the pros and cons of their effectiveness, while also wanting to be part of any federal funding that promotes green initiatives.