July 29, 2008

Transmission Expansion for Wind Resources Approved by Texas PUC

On July 17, 2008, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas approved a transmission plan (Case 33672) that will bring 18,500 MW of wind-generated power from West Texas and the Panhandle to the state’s major metropolitan areas. The plan, which was one of four plans proposed by ERCOT in April (see transmission study), will cost about…

On July 17, 2008, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas approved a transmission plan (Case 33672) that will bring 18,500 MW of wind-generated power from West Texas and the Panhandle to the state’s major metropolitan areas. The plan, which was one of four plans proposed by ERCOT in April (see transmission study), will cost about $5 billion and will add about $4 per month to residential energy bills once construction is complete in four to five years. This action was taken in compliance with state legislation (S.B. 20) enacted in 2005.