October 2, 2007, The Wind Coalition
Austin, Texas
Texas has moved another step closer to making wind power a major energy
resource, capable of delivering more benefits, including economic
development, cost-effective electricity and clean, domestic energy.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) issued an Interim
Final Order today that could enable construction of up to 22,806
Megawatts (MW) of new wind power in Texas (PUC Docket No. 33672). The
order designates five Competitive Renewable Energy Zones CREZs) in West
Texas and the Texas Panhandle and authorizes development of
transmission lines needed to deliver electricity produced in those
windy CREZ areas to customers throughout Texas. A final order,
transmission plan, and budget are still pending before the Commission
but are expected to be finalized in early 2008.
“While many states are talking about ways to bring more clean
energy to customers and improve air quality, Texas is doing it.” says
Mike Sloan, Managing Consultant of The Wind Coalition, a regional wind
advocacy group operating in the south central United States.
Adds Sloan, “Texas' proactive transmission process is drawing a lot
of attention; we expect the CREZ process to become a model for the
nation.” Texas’ CREZ model has already been embraced by California and
Colorado, with additional Western states also considering its use.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has initiated a
Transmission Optimization Study to develop options for delivering wind
power from the five CREZ zones to customers throughout the ERCOT power
grid, including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Total wind capacity
served in ERCOT’s studies, from both new and existing projects, will
range from 10,000 MW to 22,806 MW. Each megawatt of wind provides
enough electricity to power approximately 225 Texas-sized homes.
The increased usage of wind power is projected to more than offset
the sizable investment needed for new transmission lines by reducing
the need for fossil fuel derived power by billions of dollars every
year. Based on ERCOT’s 2006 CREZ analysis, 5,250 MW of new wind
installations would reduce customer payments to power generators by
$1.278 Billion per year (equivalent to $3.47 per month per residential
customer). The 22,806 MW level of wind development, which could supply
up to 20% of Texas electrical energy needs, would reduce statewide
power plant emissions of smog-forming nitrous oxides and carbon dioxide
by more than 10% each.
Spurred by successful renewable energy development policies, Texas
surpassed California during 2006 to become the nation’s leader in wind
capacity. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reports that
Texas currently has more than 3,300 MW of installed wind capacity out
of the nation’s total of 12,634 MW. During 2007, Texas is expected to
add more than half of all new wind installations in the United States.
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The Wind Coalition is a non-profit association formed to promote an
economic and regulatory climate that encourages the development of the
vast wind energy resources of the South Central United States. Its
membership includes major wind developers, equipment vendors and public
interest groups.
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