Texas To Build Wind Power Superhighway
We’ve all heard of the Information Superhighway; Now it’s time to welcome the Wind Power Superhighway.
In what is purported to be the largest investment in clean, renewable energy in US history, Texas has been given preliminary approval for a $4.9 billion plan to build transmission lines to carry wind power from West Texas to urban areas such as Dallas.
Texas is already the national leader in wind power, but the new transmission lines will make sure wind energy is used to its fullest potential, since most of Texas’ wind power is produced in windy West Texas. The new plan won’t directly create new turbines, but it will add enough transmission lines to move 18,000 megawatts. That’s enough energy to power 4 million homes.
The superhighway won’t just help facilitate the spread of wind power; supporters think it will also create jobs, lower energy costs, and reduce pollution.
Texas citizens will have to assist with the plan’s construction; they will pay an extra $3 to $4 per month on their bills for the next few years. But this pales in comparison to the amount they can save with lower energy prices.
Renewable energy companies are eager to jump on the bandwagon. Yesterday, Oncor, an electric distribution and transmission business, filed with the Public Utility Commission in Texas to indicate its desire to build a large portion of the superhighway.
With a proposal that could provide Texas with more wind energy than the next 14 states combined, perhaps the state’s legacy will be one of wind, not oil.
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! Oh my gosh!! Texas, using clean energy!? Never thought I’d see the day!
BillC we’re the nationwide leader in wind power. So get off your high horse, take off your white wig, and stop judging us. You other states need to catch up.
Great to hear! Is this part of Pickens plan? It’s important for us, as individuals, to support businesses that not only provide a suitable utility but also benefit the environment. Another example, I came across a website http://www.simplestop.net that stops your postal junk and benefits the environment.
Wow, Zach, a little sensitive there?
This is a great idea, I hope it comes to fruition and really provides the benefits they’re going for.
Good for Texas. I wish that other states would follow this example. For instance, my home state of Oregon prides itself in being very “green” yet our offshore wind generating capacities are vastly underdeveloped:
http://www.brightfuture.us/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=27
texas has long led the nation in the production of wind energy. wind is not the solution– it’s going to be a disaster to transmit all that energy to the cities.
very good
Tim, you spoke to soon Oregon is getting ready to build the world’s biggest wind farm of 909 megawatts it will be second after T. Boone Pickens gets his built.
http://www.koin.com/content/news/topstor...
I thought capitalism was big in Texas. Who’s going to own and take the profits from these power lines that the state is paying for? For some reason, I don’t think it’s going to be the state of Texas.
yeh, the wind energy maybe very popular in the future. There are many in Germany since years.