ROCK PORT, Mo. - Wind is ultimately free, and that could help signal how green energy's future is accepted as it drifts across Northwest Missouri's landscape.

In Rock Port, residents barely take notice that their electricity flows from the lofty turbines that dot the nearby countryside. It's been almost a year since the city went fully online with wind energy.

Since then, Mayor Jo Stevens says Rock Port continues to conduct normal business without any ill effects linked to the Loess Hills Wind Farm. Visitors from as far away as Japan have come to Rock Port to see how the technology functions.

"I have not heard any naysayers," she said. "I suppose there's some out there."

Wind energy has already come quite a distance in Northwest Missouri, but the industry is now encountering some turbulence. Critics now ask about the turbines' noise, how best to finance the farms and the impact on customer electric rates.

One King City resident remains unconvinced that he can peacefully co-exist with the wind turbines of the Bluegrass Ridge Farm next to his house. Charlie Porter recently filed a lawsuit against Deere & Co. and the Wind Capital Group of St. Louis, alleging that the turbines have caused him to lose sleep and devalue his property. Wind Capital President Tom Carnahan said Mr. Porter's arguments have no merit.

Wind industry officials admit an adverse economy is slowing their ability to build more farms. But overall, they remain committed to tapping energy from a source they say is more cost-reliable than fossil fuels.

A boost from the federal government's economic stimulus package also offers optimism that wind farms will flourish. Tony Wyche, Wind Capital Group's spokesman, said officials are unfazed by the present business climate.

"We have been actually developing projects in Northwest Missouri," he said. "We are actively investing in wind energy projects."

Economic problems do have an impact on the industry, but aren't postponing Wind Capital's programs for 2009 and beyond. Mr. Wyche referred to a $150 million contract the company signed last year with NTR, an Irish firm that pledges to supply General Electric turbines for its projects.

"We're actually in a very strong position," he said. "We're continuing to grow. We've added staff."

Turbine manufacturing, loan guarantees for renewable energy and development of expandable electric transmission capacity all stand to benefit from the federal stimulus, Mr. Wyche said.

The creation of jobs and a nationwide trend toward energy independence are reasons Mr. Wyche said wind energy offers a sensible connection to an improved economy. Building the farms represents a significant stake in the communities through an increased tax base and payments to landowners, he said.

Still, some residents are asking why wind energy isn't having more of an impact on monthly bills. Martin Specking, of Atchison County, is among those residents.

"We were told that these fancy windmills wouldn't raise our electric rates," he said. "The electric cooperatives are taking us for a ride amid a serious recession."

Terry Zeigler, manager of the Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative, said the energy produced by wind turbines goes into the overall mix of power resources received from the state's rural distribution network. Wind does reflect an impact on electricity rates, although Mr. Zeigler said he was unable to provide an individual breakdown.

Unlike other fuels, Mr. Wyche said, wind comes equipped with a stable cost.

"Generally, the benefit of wind is that over time, once you develop the wind farm, the wind is free," he said.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.