STRATFORD -- The potential for wind power is getting a healthy push from Perth East. At the urging of the lower-tier municipality, Perth County is drafting an amendment to its official plan which would clear the way for electricity generating turbines to go up for private and commercial use.

The county's planning department was looking at zoning for wind power under a five-year review of the official plan, but the amendment is now on the fast track with an eye to having it completed for July.

"We've had a very serious inquiry from one person saying he wants to go ahead for sure," said Bob McTavish, mayor of Perth East.

Three other farmers in the municipality have also asked about the rules for having a turbine.

While Perth County may not have the potential of nearby Huron and Bruce counties on the shores of Lake Huron, it's still pretty windy, he said.

A preliminary analysis of the county's and Perth East's official plans found that wind energy would be a permitted use, but not in all cases.

Small-scale wind turbines on farms could be permitted provided they were for farm-use only, met a height restriction of 30 metres and yard restrictions of 30 metres, director Dave Hanly said.