Wind energy helps meet new Texas record for electricity demand

The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the state utility system, said demand topped out at 68,294 megawatts (MW) between 4 and 5 p.m., and that Texas wind turbines contributed 2,000 MW during that hour.

The 2,000 MW wind farm plants were more than double the 800 MW that ERCOT counts on from wind power during periods of peak summer demand for its long-term planning purposes, and enough to power about 400,000 homes under the very high electricity demand conditions seen yesterday.

Commented American Wind Energy Association Manager of Transmission Policy Michael Goggin, "At a time when the extreme heat prevailing in Texas is pushing the utility system close to its limits, wind generation is making a valuable and much-needed contribution to system reliability."

By Tom Gray, www.awea.org/blog/