bhs7695 185 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 (edited) http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/275673/texas-wind-energy-fails-again-robert-bryce# Robert Bryce August 29, 2011 4:00 A.M. Texas Wind Energy Fails, Again When the temperature rises, the wind slows down. Wednesday brought yet another unspeakably hot day to Texas and, alas, it was yet another day when wind energy failed the state’s consumers. Indeed, as record heat and drought continue to hammer the Lone Star State, the inanity of the state’s multi-billion-dollar spending spree on wind energy becomes ever more apparent. On Wednesday afternoon, ERCOT, the state’s grid operator, declared a power emergency as some of the state’s generation units began to falter under the soaring demand for electricity. Electricity demand hit 66,552 megawatts, about 1,700 megawatts shy of the record set on August 3. As I wrote in these pages earlier this month, Texas has 10,135 megawatts of installed wind-generation capacity, which is nearly three times as much as any other state. And yet, on Wednesday, all of the state’s wind turbines mustered just 880 megawatts of power when electricity was needed the most. Put another way, even though wind turbines account for about 10 percent of Texas’s 103,000 megawatts of summer electricity-generation capacity, wind energy was able to provide just 1.3 percent of the juice the state needed on Wednesday afternoon to keep the lights on and the air conditioners humming. None of this should be surprising. For years, ERCOT has counted just 8.7 percent of the state’s installed wind-generation capacity as “dependable capacity at peak.†What happened on Wednesday? Just 880 megawatts out of 10,135 megawatts of wind capacity — 8.68 percent — was actually moving electrons when consumers needed those electrons the most. Apologists for the wind industry point to a single day in February, when, during a record cold snap, the state’s wind turbines were able to produce electricity when the grid was being stressed. Fine. On one day, wind generators produced more than expected. But the wind industry’s lobbyists want consumers to ignore this sun-bleached truth: Texas has far more super-hot days than it does frigid ones. Indeed, here in Austin, where I live, we’ve already had 70 days this summer with temperatures over 100 degrees, and there’s still no relief in sight. And on nearly every one of those hot days, ERCOT’s wind capacity has been AWOL. Each afternoon, as the temperature — and electricity demand — soars, the wind dies down: This summer’s high demand for electricity has caught ERCOT off guard. In June, the grid operator projected that Texas’s electricity demand would not set any new records this summer. But demand is already exceeding levels that ERCOT didn’t expect to see until 2014. Over the past few weeks, as demand has strained the Texas grid, electricity prices have risen as high as $3,000 per megawatt-hour on the wholesale market, and large industrial users have been forced to curtail consumption in order to avoid blackouts. And yet — and yet — the state is spending billions on projects that focus on wind energy rather than on conventional generation capacity. As Kate Galbraith of the Texas Tribune reported recently, the Texas Public Utility Commission is preparing the state’s ratepayers for higher prices. Consumers will soon be paying for new transmission lines that are being built solely so that the subsidy-dependent wind-energy profiteers can move electricity from their distant wind projects to consumers in urban areas. Galbraith reports that “the cost of building thousands of miles of transmission lines to carry wind power across Texas is now estimated at $6.79 billion, a 38 percent increase from the initial projection three years ago.†What will that mean for the state’s ratepayers? Higher electricity bills. Before the end of the year, the companies building the transmission lines are expected to begin applying for “rate recovery.†The result, writes Galbraith, will be charges that “could amount to $4 to $5 per month on Texas electric bills, for years.†Imagine what the state’s grid might look like if Texas, which produces about 30 percent of America’s gas, had spent its money on natural-gas-fired electricity instead of wind. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration shows that wind-generated electricity costs about 50 percent more than that produced by natural-gas-fired generators. Thus, not only would Texas consumers be saving money on their electric bills, the state government would be earning more royalties from gas produced and consumed in the state. Further, consider what might be happening had the state kept the $6.79 billion it’s now spending on wind-energy transmission lines and instead allocated it to new natural-gas-fired generators. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration show that building a megawatt of new wind capacity costs $2.43 million — that’s up by 21 percent over the year-earlier costs — while a new megawatt of gas-fired capacity costs a bit less than $1 million, a drop of 3 percent from year-earlier estimates. Under that scenario, Texas could have built 6,900 megawatts of new gas-fired capacity for what the state is now spending on wind-related transmission lines alone. Even if we assume the new gas-fired units were operating at just 50 percent of their design capacity, those generators would still be capable of providing far more reliable juice to the grid than what is being derived from the state’s wind turbines during times of peak demand. Unfortunately, none of those scenarios have played out. Instead, Texas ratepayers are being forced to pay billions for wind-generation and transmission capacity that is proving to be ultra-expensive and redundant at a time when the state’s thirst for electricity is breaking records. A final point: Keep in mind that the Lone Star wind boondoggle is not the result of Democratic rule. Environmentalists have never gained much purchase at the Texas capitol. In fact, the state hasn’t had a Democrat in statewide office since Bob Bullock retired as lieutenant governor, and Garry Mauro retired from the General Land Office, back in 1999. That same year, Gov. George W. Bush signed legislation that created a renewable-energy mandate in the state. What about Rick Perry, a politico who frequently invokes his support for the free market? In 2005, he signed a mandate requiring the state to have at least 6,000 megawatts of renewable capacity by 2015. Perry’s support has been so strong that a wind-energy lobbyist recently told the New York Times that the governor, who’s now a leading contender for the White House, has “been a stalwart in defense of wind energy in this state, no question about it.†And during his last election campaign, Sen. John Cornyn, one of the Senate’s most conservative members, ran TV ads showing pretty pictures of — what else? — wind turbines. — Robert Bryce is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. His fourth book, Power Hungry: The Myths of “Green†Energy and the Real Fuels of the Future, was recently issued in paperback. Edited September 1, 2011 by bhs7695 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted August 31, 2011 Too bad that SWVA will never have the opportunity to harness the lucrative wind industry. Wait, we did? And we voted it out, despite the fact BP was laying $10M up front on the table? Nevermind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techfan 43 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Nope we never got the chance to vote on wind energy our supervisors made the call to send away without even putting it on the ballot for the public to make the decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Nope we never got the chance to vote on wind energy our supervisors made the call to send away without even putting it on the ballot for the public to make the decision. Yeah, I didn't mean "we" as in all of us. I meant it as in "the region", via the Board of Supervisors. Not my clearest moment. :( Then again, there was a lot of public outcry against it. You're right, though, it should've made it to a ballot. Many multi-million dollar decisions never make it to a ballot in Tazewell County... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techfan 43 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Sometimes I wonder if any decision ever really makes it past the county admin's desk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityofRaven 2,453 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 You're right, though, it should've made it to a ballot. Many multi-million dollar decisions never make it to a ballot in Tazewell County... This is why Tazewell County is in the state it is in right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_bean 1,058 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 The truly sad part is one of the supervisors that was all for it went the other way after he was elected. I know for a fact he fully supported it because I was in another business office at the time when he was talking about how much revenue it could bring in and if they placed a tariff on power generated how much future revenue it could generate us. Instead he probably got a kickback from some "people" in bluefield that said it would interfere with the fabulous "Cove Creek Estates" that they are working on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hacker 82 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Yeah, I didn't mean "we" as in all of us. I meant it as in "the region", via the Board of Supervisors.Not my clearest moment. :( Then again, there was a lot of public outcry against it. You're right, though, it should've made it to a ballot. Many multi-million dollar decisions never make it to a ballot in Tazewell County... It could not be put on the ballot for the simple fact that there are no provisions for referendums of this kind in the VA Constitution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Instead he probably got a kickback from some "people" in bluefield that said it would interfere with the fabulous "Cove Creek Estates" that they are working on. Those "people in bluefield" don't live in Bluefield, they are actually residents of South Carolina. 99% of the residents of Bluefield, VA don't even know "Cove Creek Estates" exists...or care that its there. The property is in Tazewell County, so Bluefield, VA has no governance over it. In my opinion, all they did was destroy a beautiful wilderness area. And to beat it all, they are at it again...only this time its on the Bluefield, WV side of the line on East River Mountain between 460 and the overlook. As for a "kickback", knowing these people, I'd say you're probably right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 It could not be put on the ballot for the simple fact that there are no provisions for referendums of this kind in the VA Constitution. Makes sense, then. I'm not as familiar with the VA Constitution. Similar referendums are allowed under PA's, but again, all we learn is PA law. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) Those "people in bluefield" don't live in Bluefield, they are actually residents of South Carolina. 99% of the residents of Bluefield, VA don't even know "Cove Creek Estates" exists...or care that its there. The property is in Tazewell County, so Bluefield, VA has no governance over it. In my opinion, all they did was destroy a beautiful wilderness area. And to beat it all, they are at it again...only this time its on the Bluefield, WV side of the line on East River Mountain between 460 and the overlook. As for a "kickback", knowing these people, I'd say you're probably right. And Bluefield, WV's city council is greedy enough to take the multi-million dollar down payment. One rare instance where greed and common sense coincide. Though, yes, the TCBoS has a pretty open history of taking kickbacks for votes. Edited September 1, 2011 by UVAObserver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_bean 1,058 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Those "people in bluefield" don't live in Bluefield, they are actually residents of South Carolina. 99% of the residents of Bluefield, VA don't even know "Cove Creek Estates" exists...or care that its there. The property is in Tazewell County, so Bluefield, VA has no governance over it. In my opinion, all they did was destroy a beautiful wilderness area. And to beat it all, they are at it again...only this time its on the Bluefield, WV side of the line on East River Mountain between 460 and the overlook. As for a "kickback", knowing these people, I'd say you're probably right. You are exactly right on nobody knowing about the "estates" Our side of it just happens to be a few miles down the road from me. It's a shame like you said about all that has been done and nothing is even being built. One house on all of the tracts is all I know about and some fancy gated entrances. We all just look at it and think of it as the joke. I'm not bringing Republican Vs Democrat into this arguement, but I voted for that representative because I knew how he supported it. I sure won't do that again and I also make sure it is known how he went against it after saying how much he supported it. With pretty lame excuses that he was quoted as saying as well. Of anybody to complain those of us that live down Clearfork area should be the ones to complain since it was going to be on our side of East River Mountain, however I only know of just one or two couple that were opposed to it. All others supported it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 Of anybody to complain those of us that live down Clearfork area should be the ones to complain since it was going to be on our side of East River Mountain, however I only know of just one or two couple that were opposed to it. All others supported it. That may be true, but I was butchered on this board for being pro-turbine not so long ago. Shoot, even my own family thought I was crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_bean 1,058 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 That may be true, but I was butchered on this board for being pro-turbine not so long ago. Shoot, even my own family thought I was crazy. Sad to say, those that opposed it were VERY strong against it for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghs73 157 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 The truly sad part is one of the supervisors that was all for it went the other way after he was elected. I know for a fact he fully supported it because I was in another business office at the time when he was talking about how much revenue it could bring in and if they placed a tariff on power generated how much future revenue it could generate us. Instead he probably got a kickback from some "people" in bluefield that said it would interfere with the fabulous "Cove Creek Estates" that they are working on. just like when the power co was wanting to run the new power line thru the county, so many said it will ruin the look of east river mtn. to me it blends in to the point when i am in blfd. va i dont notice it. what i do notice is the radio towers on the wva side on top of the mtn. to place wind towers on the mtn would be more noticable but i think would have been benificial to the county. i have seen wind towers on mtn tops in wva around moorefield and that area and to me it does not hurt the overall looks of the area. but it would depend on how many they wanted to place on the mtn. i would say but again people do not want things like this in the county. but they want thier electric appliances such as computers, microwaves, blenders and so on. these all use electricity and it has to be produced somewhere and somehow. if wind towers could have helped then to me build them. from taz. to blfd va. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 i have seen wind towers on mtn tops in wva around moorefield and that area and to me it does not hurt the overall looks of the area. Hard to hurt the looks of stinky-ass chicken farms... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghs73 157 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Hard to hurt the looks of stinky-ass chicken farms... true but parts of that area are very nice and have some beautiful mtns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghs73 157 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Hard to hurt the looks of stinky-ass chicken farms... you want chicken farms try the turkey farms here in the valley from staunton to above harrisonburg va. in the early spring they are spreading cow manure on the fields and you cannot drive I81 with window down without almost passing out.and the turkey farms are i think worse than any chicken farm by far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 you want chicken farms try the turkey farms here in the valley from staunton to above harrisonburg va. in the early spring they are spreading cow manure on the fields and you cannot drive I81 with window down without almost passing out.and the turkey farms are i think worse than any chicken farm by far. Go on PA 340 between Lancaster and Intercourse in late April. It makes that stretch of I-81 smell like roses and gardenias. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghs73 157 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Go on PA 340 between Lancaster and Intercourse in late April. It makes that stretch of I-81 smell like roses and gardenias. been there and agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 true but parts of that area are very nice and have some beautiful mtns. And if you actually talk to the people who live there, they can't stand the sight of the windmills...they're a cool novelty for those that are just passing through but an extreme eyesore to those that live around them on a daily basis... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu_bean 1,058 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 And if you actually talk to the people who live there, they can't stand the sight of the windmills...they're a cool novelty for those that are just passing through but an extreme eyesore to those that live around them on a daily basis... Everybody has their opinion for sure. I saw them all over Texas when I went through there earlier this year. Had my wife try to count them on one ridge we saw (she quit after 80!) really didn't seem to matter much to me on the looks. As was stated earlier look at the rows of towers on the mountain, it's just as bad. The only thing I wish is that they would have let the people have a voice instead of ignoring all of it and coming up with lame excuses. The one that still gets me is that it would interfere with the deer. I'm sorry but when they are walking down main st in the middle of the day then I really don't think it will bother them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Variable Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) That may be true, but I was butchered on this board for being pro-turbine not so long ago. Shoot, even my own family thought I was crazy. Turbine energy is for kiddies. Its not a bad alternative energy source, but it isnt a good one either. The amount of power obtained is mild but at the cost of being an eyesore...on top of that, they seem to have an incredible ability to decimate local bird populations. I do not have a whole lot of use for polar bears, but a good bird population helps keep the bug population down. I would be against it too. Edited September 2, 2011 by The Variable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted Account 5,203 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Turbine energy is for kiddies. Its not a bad alternative energy source, but it isnt a good one either. The amount of power obtained is mild but at the cost of being an eyesore...on top of that, they seem to have an incredible ability to decimate local bird populations. I do not have a whole lot of use for polar bears, but a good bird population helps keep the bug population down. I would be against it too. There are better sources, I agree. However, unlike fossil fuels, the energy is both clean and renewable. Just energy coming in, day after day after day. Unlike Texas, it never hits 105+ in SWVA, and unlike Texas, SWVA is not flat. Both of those make us a wind goldmine. All you have to pay is maintenance and the salary of those who keeps it. Frankly, I don't consider it as much of an eyesore as I do seeing radio towers every 5 miles. People don't seem to get huffy about those... Plus, I would need to hear from someone privy to ornithology before seeing what bird species may or may not be affected. I am unaware of any species that are in danger currently in SWVA, but that doesn't mean I won't change my opinion if presented with compelling evidence. Turbine energy isn't just for kiddies... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Variable Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 There are better sources, I agree. However, unlike fossil fuels, the energy is both clean and renewable. Just energy coming in, day after day after day. Unlike Texas, it never hits 105+ in SWVA, and unlike Texas, SWVA is not flat. Both of those make us a wind goldmine. All you have to pay is maintenance and the salary of those who keeps it. Frankly, I don't consider it as much of an eyesore as I do seeing radio towers every 5 miles. People don't seem to get huffy about those... Plus, I would need to hear from someone privy to ornithology before seeing what bird species may or may not be affected. I am unaware of any species that are in danger currently in SWVA, but that doesn't mean I won't change my opinion if presented with compelling evidence. Turbine energy isn't just for kiddies... SWVAs hill country terrain makes it also more difficult to erect and maintain those turbines...at least that is how it strikes me from a logistics perspective, maybe an engineer from the region might correct me. Flat terrain makes wind farms possible and access simple. A cursory search on bing shows only photos of turbines on relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. I think there is a reason for that. Plus, you will likely need more than 1 turbine per 5 miles for it to be worth the cost I would hazard to say the number would be much higher indeed. As far as the bird population is concerned...I have read several news articles talking about the problems that wind turbines are causing for bird, most particularly bats and the golden eagle (that was regional obviously) population are hit especially hard. Owls too and if that is the case, Ill say hawks and falcons are part of that group. They control rodent species. Does SWVA get a lot of migratory bird traffic? They fly at about the same level as those blades spin. I am not a bird expert, but as a simple farm boy who grew up playing in the woods, and growing produce, I have a distinct appreciation for them and their effect on the ecosystem. Hell even the environmentalists are torn on wind energy because of that and it might be the cleanest alternative out there. I appreciate the science behind wind energy, hell its the OLDEST form of energy mankind has had. The logistics behind it today leave me relatively unimpressed. I tend to prefer nuclear and hydro-electric power and solar if they can make it cheaper. Plus SWVA/WV/PA is sitting on a coal surplus greater than OPECs oil reserve. I would think energy costs in that region would be some of the lowest in the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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