American Wind Energy Association

As the economy continues its rebound, jobs creation has become the nation’s top priority – and competitive markets are doing their part.  Across the country, new energy infrastructure investments, and the job they create, are benefiting states that have opened their markets to competition.

Competitive markets also drive investment in new generation in order to meet future energy demand needs – which have been estimated at $1.5 - $2 trillion in new investment over the next 20 years.  In Texas, for example, competition has led to the development of more than 41,000 megawatts of new electricity generation and $5.8 billion in transmission infrastructure.

Considering the amount of infrastructure needed in the future, competitive markets shifting financial risks for these new projects from consumers to private investors is an important distinction from monopoly markets, where utilities can increase consumer rates to pay for new projects.

The recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Year End 2009 Market Report showed that the U.S. wind industry set new records for installed wind capacity by adding nearly 10,000 megawatts of new capacity in 2009. Again, as in past years, competitive markets are leading the way in developing this clean and renewable energy resource.

The report underscores wind’s contribution to our national energy portfolio, and the role competitive markets have played in spurring new capacity. America now enjoys 35,000 megawatts of installed wind power generation, nearly 2 percent of our total national energy capacity. Four of the top 10 (and two of the top three) highest-volume states in installed capacity are competitive markets. In addition, the total combined installed capacity of the 17 competitive markets states is 16,500 megawatts - nearly half of the nation’s total installed capacity.