Congress should not impose a federal renewable portfolio standard.
Perspective
Grid reliability is one giant step in mainstreaming the technology.
Wind power is coming of age in the United States. During the past five years, installations have grown by an average 28 percent yearly. Gleaming, high-tech wind turbines now are interconnected to the bulk power grid in some 30 states.
A successful initiative should reduce state dependence on volatile supplies.
Seemingly eco-friendly definitions can prevent adoption of renewable portfolio standards.
Seemingly eco-friendly definitions can prevent adoption of renewable portfolio standards.
Experts say that many of the new policies by the PUC and the state legislature seem to be putting the Golden State on track for more blackouts.
Although California's electricity crisis reached its worst point two years ago, utilities, consumers, and other market participants continue to fear a recurrence of the supply shortages and price spikes that added $40 billion to the cost of electricity over a horrific 13-month period.
Fossil Fuel Politics
How the New Congress Might Change the Mix
The 108th Congress will very likely resurrect the comprehensive energy and environmental legislation introduced in the 107th Congress, again raising questions about the effectiveness of market intervention in the area of electric generation.
State government may have done more for wind power than PTC ever did.
Wind developers face a backlash from citizens.