From SNL Energy, “Texas utility regulators expect to open investigation on wind ‘cost apportionment’“:
Having seen record wind output of more than 10,000 MW in March, ERCOT in the report also noted that Texas has gone well beyond its 10,000-MW capacity goal and far earlier than the 2025 target established in the state’s Public Utility Regulatory Act. …
And while wind energy continues to boom in Texas, the PUCT has been working with ERCOT on ensuring a reliable power grid amid wholesale prices that are not encouraging new fossil-fuel plant construction.
Perhaps, just perhaps, there is a connection between the “wind energy … boom” and the “wholesale prices that are not encouraging new fossil-fuel plant construction”?
The SNL Energy report noted the PUCT was beginning an investigation into cost apportionment issues surrounding wind energy and the recently completed CREZ transmission line additions.
They will have to surcharge wind to support the fossil fuel capacity that must back up wind. Nothing saves money like doubling your capital investment.
I would be in favor of a 2.5 cent/kwh surcharge on all wind energy to subsidize investment in reliable baseload power.