April 21, 2008—A recent study conducted by the Wind Coalition shows proposed transmission improvements being considered by the Texas Public Utilities Commission would save consumers more than $3 billion annually in electric costs.
“This investment will pay for itself in two years and will displace more expensive energy offering a savings to Texas consumers of about $3 billion per year,” executive director of the Wind Coalition Paul Sadler said. “There is no question this type of investment is exactly what the state should be doing, and when you look at the numbers it is clear ratepayers come out ahead.”
He added: “Every wind-generated megawatt added to the system is good for the economy, environment and electricity customers. Transmission costs will be more than offset by the savings realized from lower fuel costs as we bring additional wind capacity onto the grid.”
Texas currently leads the nation in wind production, thanks to forward-looking policies passed by the legislature to increase renewable production, and a regulatory climate that is conducive to growth in the renewable sector. Texas will also host a national conference on wind energy in June, sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association.
