FERC Report Shows Competitive Markets Power Wind Energy Growth

Organized competitive markets have added about 4,900 megawatts (MW) in installed wind energy generation resources over the past year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff concluded in the Summer 2010 Energy Market and Reliability Assessment. Data from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's summer assessment finds overall wind capacity is up about 6,940 MW, or 25 percent, since summer 2009 – bringing total national wind capacity to 34 GW.

Since last year, the three regions with the most growth were all served by organized competitive electricity markets. The Reliability First Corporation (RFC), served by PJM Interconnection, added 2,200 MW; the U.S. portion of the Midwest Reliability Organization, served by the Midwest ISO (MISO), added 1,500 MW; and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) added 1,200 MW.

Once again, the unique characteristics of organized competitive electricity markets have enabled clean energy to thrive. Multiple advantages, including transparent and real-time pricing, a wide geographic footprint, and access to long-distance transmission helps mitigate the intermittent nature of renewable energy and provide flexibility to sell low-carbon power. Texas and California, two of the three top states in installed wind capacity, are competitive markets and solar power is surging ahead in competitive states like New York.

Joel Malina | May 28, 2010