As wind developers and advocates gathered at the state Capitol recently for Wind Day, their focus was raising awareness of wind power as a thriving contributor to Oklahoma’s energy portfolio. Wind energy provides 15 percent of Oklahoma’s electricity — enough to power one million homes — while creating jobs and providing millions in royalties and tax revenue to counties, school districts and landowners. Wind power is abundant, affordable, clean, reliable, and perhaps most importantly in drought-stricken Oklahoma, consumes no water. It also allows Oklahoma to be more energy independent while growing the economy and providing home and business owners with notable utility savings.
More than $6.1 billion of capital investment from the wind industry has found a home in Oklahoma over the last 12 years. Quality jobs have been created amounting to over $340 million in labor income. Over $40 million in sales and property tax revenue goes annually to county governments and school districts while landowners benefit from $30 million in yearly royalty payments. Factor in the minimum 20-year lifespan of a wind farm, and the economic result is monumental across Oklahoma’s economy.
Maintaining energy prices at a cost-efficient level for homeowners and commercial consumers is paramount to long-term economic stability. The cost of wind energy is low; however more importantly due to its renewable status, its price is stable and will never rise. Three Oklahoma utilities have taken notice. Oklahoma Gas & Electric’s 2011 wind power purchase is estimated to save its customers over $1 billion by completion of the contract. The 100 megawatts of wind power purchased by The Grand River Dam Authority in 2013 will save its customers $50 million, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s purchase of 600 megawatts last fall will save its customers $53 million in the first year alone and over $720 million total.
Press link or more:Jeff Clark | tulsaworld.com
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