Utilities and Wind Power
Wind energy in the utility resource portfolio has come of age. With the advancement of technology and the dropping of production prices wind has become a serious and important component of utility generation.
These webpages provide electric utilities a one-stop resource for wind energy information. Whether the utility is just starting on the journey of incorporation of wind into the resource portfolio or currently owns and operation their own wind assets, you will be able to find the information you need to answer important questions via the information contained in the links to the left, or from the links you can access from those webpages. A series of utility-focused wind power events found on the events calendar provides an opportunity to network with the wind industry and learn about all of the most current developments. Click on any of the links to the left to get the information you need – or send an e-mail to utility@awea.org for whatever information you require.
The Costs and Benefits of Wind Energy
Not only does wind power provide a clean source of electricity, it helps keep electric rates low and provides a hedge against fossil fuel price volatility once wind projects come on-line. Wind energy costs have dropped over the past few years as wind turbine technology has matured, with taller towers, and with improved wind turbine efficiency.
Wind energy is now one of the most cost-effective sources of new electricity generation, competing with new installations of other energy sources in wind-rich regions. And utilities can lock in wind energy prices for 20 to 30 years because the fuel is free. That's one reason wind power has added 35% of all new generating capacity to the U.S. grid since 2007– twice what coal and nuclear added combined.
Electric utilities have a unique role in bringing wind power to their retail customers. Utilities are the connection to the end-use customers who are expecting their electricity providers to use more clean energy to power their homes, schools, businesses, and institutions. Wind power the largest and most readily-deployable form of new clean energy available, and utilities play a critical role in delivering this energy to retail electricity customers.
Click on the links to the left under "Utilities and Wind Power" or below to learn more about specific topics related to electric utilities and wind power. To learn more about AWEA membership, to view U.S. wind power projects by location, or to register for an upcoming AWEA event related to wind power, click on the other links located at the top and lower portion of this page. To request additional information, or if you have any questions, send an e-mail to utility@awea.org.
