Utilities can typically add wind generation to their power supply mix without major adjustments in the planning, operations, or reliability of their systems, according to several recent studies looking at experience or modeling wind integration scenarios, as well as experience in Europe. In addition, wind power provides a hedge against fossil fuel price volatility since the ongoing costs of wind energy are relatively fixed. This ability to hedge fuel price fluctuations in a utility generation portfolio mix, combined with increasing customer awareness and demand for renewable energy, makes wind energy more valuable to utilities than ever before.

A survey of studies from different parts of the country puts to rest one of the major concerns often expressed about wind power: that a wind plant would need to be backed up with an equal amount of dispatchable generation. For more information, go to the Web site of the Utility Wind Integration Group at http://www.uwig.org/operatingimpacts.html.

Major concerns often expressed about wind power: that a wind plant would need to be backed up with an equal amount of dispatchable generation. For more information, go to the Web site of the Utility Wind Integration Group at
http://www.uwig.org/opimpactsdocs.html.