Texas Still Number 1 in Wind Generation
While several Texas coal plants aim to close by 2020, wind generation continues to break records. On January 21, 2019, wind produced 19.7 gigawatts (GW), breaking the previous record of 19.2 GW. (A gigawatt is enough energy power 200 households at peak energy use in Texas.) The previous record happened on December 14, 2018.
This trend of record-smashing shows that wind generation stands out as a reliable source for future renewable energy needs.
How Much Wind Energy Was Generated?
This is incredible news for cheap Texas electricity. At 19.7 GW, wind energy generated 56 percent of the energy load for ECROT. The first time wind generation broke 50 percent was on March 23, 2017 with 14,391 megawatts (MW). However, it’s important to note that this was at 7 pm in the evening. Wind energy generation peaks in West Texas in the evenings while demand is much lower than during a hot summer day.
What’s the Future Forecast for Renewables in Texas?
Wind still has a long way to go to be able to carry the full Texas electrical load. But these records are nothing to shy away from. More and more people want alternatives to coal, a source of energy that is both expensive and harmful to the environment. Wind energy offers an alternative.
A previous study from Rice University found that renewables could kick coal completely out of Texas. That’s because the state has enough access to renewables to meet demands at certain times of the day.
Granted, a lot of work needs to happen first. Transmission systems need to support the increased capacity for starters. And more developments in Texas battery projects for powering utilities still need to happen. Solar energy generation in Texas lags behind other states as well. In 2017, Texas could generate just 1,874 MW of solar. California’s capacity, on the other hand, was over 21,000 MW.
Will More Wind Generation Mean Cheaper Energy Bills?
In Texas, residents have the power to choose. And residents want the cheapest electricity rates. As wind energy generation continues to exceed expectations, it could mean that renewable energy plans in Dallas will offer cheaper rates. That means you could see huge savings on your electricity bills.
How to Shop for the Best Energy Providers in Dallas
Energy prices won’t stay low all year. Now is the time to start shopping for a new Dallas electric supplier now while energy rates are cheap in the ONCOR service area. Check out www.TexasElectricityRatings.com for more information on how to shop and compare electricity prices. You’ll be able to simply switch energy providers once you find the best plan for your needs.