Texas: Still Number One, Baby

TEXAS #1 AGAIN AS WIND CAPACITY SURGES 59% IN 2007

Wind production capability now enough for 1 million homes.

"Texas' competitive market is succeeding in delivering results, both for our economy and for our environment," said Gov. Rick Perry. "By harnessing the energy potential of wind, Texans are utilizing a form of energy that is clean, affordable, and easily renewable. The result is as good for consumers as it is for the environment."

"Texas leaders have done an exceptional job in attracting the wind industry, and with steady federal support and access to new transmission lines, wind power can continue to thrive."

According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), there were 3,064 MW of signed commitments made during 2007 to build new wind power plants – a level that is greater than for any other type of new power plant. ERCOT is currently developing plans and cost estimates for new transmission lines that could support much higher levels of wind power in the future as part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) process, which is expected to be finalized during 2008. Previous studies by ERCOT suggest that the wind on the drawing board combined with that now operating in Texas could reduce wholesale power costs by more than $1 billion per year while reducing statewide power plant emissions by as much as 5%.

Texas record-setting year of wind power development represents about 10% of all power plant capacity completed in the United States during 2007.