Texas Decision Could Double Wind Power Capacity in the U.S. (22,800 MW new capacity)

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50166

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) issued an Interim Final Order yesterday that could enable construction of up to 22,806 Megawatts (MW) of new wind power in Texas. A final order, transmission plan, and budget are still pending before the Commission but are expected to be finalized in early 2008.

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.

"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.

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[Bitwit1234]

1. We just moved to the Northern part of Minnesota four years ago

and the way the wind blows here all the time we could furnish power to the whole country. People here say it didn't but it sure does now.