A vertical axis wind turbine for attaching to a utility pole includes a plurality of support arms, a housing, a generator and a plurality of blades. The support arms attach to the utility pole. The housing is coupled between the arms. The housing includes an outer wall defining a space within the housing. The housing rotates on a vertical axis of rotation and with respect to the arms. The generator is stationed within the space. The generator generates an electric current in response to a rotation of the housing. The plurality of blades coupled to an external surface of the outer wall, one of the blades extends in a vertical direction.