Waste to Energy Group, the perpetually cash-strapped California company that has promised to convert Knott Landfill waste into energy, is looking for an extension from Deschutes County to start its proposed multimillion renewable energy project in Bend.
In January 2014, Deschutes County commissioners OK'd a 15-year deal with Waste to Energy to turn natural gas below the landfill into liquid fuel. The county was set to receive at least $240,000 a year from Waste to Energy or 4 percent of the company's gross profits from the project, whichever number was greater. With the startup costs estimated to be at least $20 million — all of which are the responsibility of Waste to Energy — the county gave the renewable energy company 18 months to start construction before the deal became null and void.