The P.E.I. government is responding to concerns about the distance wind turbines should be from homes and proposing that so-called setback distances be increased.

The current setback distance is at least three times the height of the tower and the blade together.

For example, the V-90, the largest turbine on P.E.I. and the one most often being built now, has a setback distance of 375 metres. The province is looking at increasing that to 500 metres, or four times the height of tower and blade combined.

"We have heard from varying groups across the province relative to wind turbine developments," said Community Affairs Minister Carolyn Bertram.

"We are putting forward regulations to the legislative review committee that will be making recommendations to cabinet."

Bertram said the proposed setback distances are based on noise levels. For example, a resident living 500 metres from a V-90 should not have to put up with anything louder than 45 decibels.

The World Health Organization suggests a much lower level, 35 decibels, while some Canadian provinces allow noise limits as high as 55 decibels.