J.C. Penney upgrades wind system

J.C. Penny Co. Inc. is upgrading the wind-energy system atop its distribution center in Stead.

The company said last week it's installing new wind turbines developed by Broadstar Wind Systems of Dallas. The new turbines succeed an earlier generation of turbines, also developed by Broadstar.

A spokeswoman for J.C. Penney said the new system may generate as much as 12 kilowatts of electricity to help power the warehouse. That's an increase of about 20 percent over the turbines that were installed in early 2009, she said.

The company doesn't yet know how much of the energy needs of the facility's energy needs will be met with the turbines. J.C. Penney has set a goal of a 20 percent decrease in the energy used by its facilities by 2015.