Engine oil used to heat RI dealership

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) - For about 12 years, the Coelho family has been busy getting green, in addition to servicing and selling cars.

"We recycle used auto waste oil to heat our building in the winter," said Steve Coelho of Safeway Autosales.

They use used engine oil to heat their 3600 square foot building - an idea his father came up with to save on fuel costs.

Now Steven's father has turned his attention to his electricity bill, they're currently installing a 50KW wind turbine to provide just about all of their electricity.

"In less than two weeks we hope to be a self sufficient power plant and sell the rest of the electricity back to the grid."

They're hoping for 90% of their daily electricity will come from this turbine which will eventually stand about 110 feet atop the hill on Gooding Avenue in an industrial park.

"I'm really excited for my father. This is his vision, and to see it come together, I'm happy to be a part of it."

The project isn't cheap. It's privately funded, but also with some grants and loans from the economic development corporation.

The wind turbine is especially unique, because it can be folded down to the ground in the event of extreme wind from a hurricane or other severe wind storms.

The wind turbine is expected to be online in January.