Wind energy sets new record in Texas

Press Release

Oct 18 2011


 WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18, 2011 -The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released the following statement from Michael Goggin, Manager of Transmission Policy, commenting on the news today that wind turbines in the service territory of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT, the main Texas electric grid) set a new output record on Oct. 7. That afternoon, wind generated 15.2% of ERCOT’s demand for electricity that afternoon, or 7,400 megawatts (MW).
 

 
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18, 2011 -The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released the following statement from Michael Goggin, Manager of Transmission Policy, commenting on the news today that wind turbines in the service territory of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT, the main Texas electric grid) set a new output record on Oct. 7. That afternoon, wind generated 15.2% of ERCOT’s demand for electricity that afternoon, or 7,400 megawatts (MW).

“This new record set by wind on the main Texas grid is good news for consumers,” Goggin said.”Wind generation offsets the use of expensive fossil fuels, is pollution-free, and uses virtually no water, unlike other sources of electricity.

“Moreover, this is yet another case showing that large amounts of wind energy can be integrated into existing utility systems reliably.

“Texas is already the national leader in wind power. The number of wind turbines and wind farms there and in other windy states across America is continuing to grow and shows the success of stable federal tax policies, starting with the Production Tax Credit for renewable energy.

“Wind power is delivering cheap electricity to ratepayers in hard economic times, and it’s hard to overstate the benefits of that far-sighted tax policy.”

According to ERCOT, wind energy “represents nearly 58 percent of all new generation seen in planning stages over the next few years” in Texas. 

For more information, please see today’s report from ERCOT, or contact AWEA at 202-383-2500. 
 

Become a Member

Take a seat at the table as we discuss the most important policy decisions facing our industry, exchange information and best practices with other leaders, receive exclusive policy briefings and invitations to attend industry events, and gain access to proprietary industry data and tools that can help grow your business.

Stay informed

Take Action

Subscribe to American Clean Power and receive the latest renewable energy news, policy updates, and opportunities to get involved.