Legislation Would Harness Oklahoma Wind Power
The Oklahoma wind that state residents complain about could reduce electricity bills and provide eco-friendly energy alternatives at the same time thanks to the passage of House Bill 2813.
The bill, authored by Rep. Weldon Watson and requested by Rep. Gus Blackwell, will allow an electric utility company to recover the costs of building high voltage transmission lines to carry electricity produced by wind farms in Western Oklahoma.
The measure stemmed from discussions led by the Oklahoma Electric Transmission Task Force chaired by Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud.
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a multi-state regulator of electric transmission including Oklahoma, also participated in those task force meetings.
"Oklahoma's demand for electricity continues to grow and there is little opportunity for new construction of coal or nuclear power generation in the near future," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "The SPP has indicated that Oklahoma has the potential to be a major supplier of wind energy based on wind and transmission studies that project demand out through 2050. Failing to take advantage of this opportunity is not simply shooting yourself in the foot; it's shooting yourself in the head. This is a win-win-win situation for the consumer, for the environment and for the economy."
"This bill is a way to jump start the growth potential of wind power in the state. Currently, we have 14,000 megawatts of electricity being produced by Oklahoma power generators. We have 4,000 more megawatts from wind either already built or in the planning stages in Western Oklahoma. The potential is 20,000 megawatts for using wind power," said Watson, R-Tulsa.
Several companies have indicated an interest in building wind farms in the area, Watson indicated, and once they start the SPP will spread the cost of transmission to other users of that transmission reducing costs to Oklahoma ratepayers. He also said there is also great potential for carbon credits that will reduce fuel costs for ratepayers.
"Our state song mentions that 'the wind comes sweeping down the plain' in Oklahoma. That wind that has been immortalized in song and lore will become famous now for its energy potential," said Watson.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will have ultimate authority for any activity electric utilities may take as a result of the legislation.
House Bill 2813 passed the full House this week 88-0 and now goes to the Senate for a hearing.
The bill, authored by Rep. Weldon Watson and requested by Rep. Gus Blackwell, will allow an electric utility company to recover the costs of building high voltage transmission lines to carry electricity produced by wind farms in Western Oklahoma.
The measure stemmed from discussions led by the Oklahoma Electric Transmission Task Force chaired by Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud.
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a multi-state regulator of electric transmission including Oklahoma, also participated in those task force meetings.
"Oklahoma's demand for electricity continues to grow and there is little opportunity for new construction of coal or nuclear power generation in the near future," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "The SPP has indicated that Oklahoma has the potential to be a major supplier of wind energy based on wind and transmission studies that project demand out through 2050. Failing to take advantage of this opportunity is not simply shooting yourself in the foot; it's shooting yourself in the head. This is a win-win-win situation for the consumer, for the environment and for the economy."
"This bill is a way to jump start the growth potential of wind power in the state. Currently, we have 14,000 megawatts of electricity being produced by Oklahoma power generators. We have 4,000 more megawatts from wind either already built or in the planning stages in Western Oklahoma. The potential is 20,000 megawatts for using wind power," said Watson, R-Tulsa.
Several companies have indicated an interest in building wind farms in the area, Watson indicated, and once they start the SPP will spread the cost of transmission to other users of that transmission reducing costs to Oklahoma ratepayers. He also said there is also great potential for carbon credits that will reduce fuel costs for ratepayers.
"Our state song mentions that 'the wind comes sweeping down the plain' in Oklahoma. That wind that has been immortalized in song and lore will become famous now for its energy potential," said Watson.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will have ultimate authority for any activity electric utilities may take as a result of the legislation.
House Bill 2813 passed the full House this week 88-0 and now goes to the Senate for a hearing.
Labels: Gus Blackwell, Jeff Cloud, Weldon Watson, Wind Power
posted by Mike McCarville @ 1:39 PM
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