Texas Wind Power

In the beginning of 2008, three percent of electricity used in Texas was produced via wind power. The state, which has aggressively invested in wind power since 2005, is the largest producer in the United States.¹

On July 17, 2008, the Texas Public Utility Commission approved a plan to encourage $5 billion in additional wind-power investment.²

Fast Facts

1. 2005: Texas begins investing in wind power¹
2. 2006: Overtakes California as largest producer in the United States¹
3. 2008: Three percent of electricity in Texas from wind power¹
4. Mid-2008: Texas produced 5,500 MW (megawatts) from wind power²
5. Expands to 9,000 MW by the end of 2008²
6. July 17, 2008: Approves a plan to invest $5 billion in wind power²
7. Will expand to 18,500 MW by 2012²
8. Enough to power 18,000 homes²

Investment Plan

On July 17, 2008, the Texas Public Utility Commission approved a plan to build wind-power transmission lines that could distribute more than 18,500 megawatts of electricity by 2012. The $5 billion plan will help Texas produce more electricity from wind power than the rest of the United States combined.²

Pickens Plan

Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens has launched a national ad campaign promoting his plan for reduced dependence on foreign oil. The plan calls for massive investment in wind power and natural gas and the reduction of imported oil by a third in under ten years.³

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