An Austin business recently erected the first wind turbine connected to Austin Utilities.

Wallace Bustad’s Crane Service celebrated its new 131-foot tower with a Chamber Ambassadors ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the business, located at 24000 U.S. Highway 218.

The 20-kilowatt Jacobs Wind Systems wind turbine was manufactured in Prior Lake, Minn. The 131-foot model sells for about $70,000, and Bustad’s will receive a grant to pay for some of the cost.

Joe Herbst, owner of Natural Energy Alternatives, said the wind turbine will save Bustad’s about 53 percent in utility costs. The business should see a payback in about five to seven years.

Herbst said his Sauk Rapids, Minn.-based company sells about 10 turbines per year. The average size is 151 feet.

Wallace Bustad’s Crane Service has been in business since 1958.