A Luncheon Trifecta

I haven't been able to make it down to a luncheon in Sweetwater, TX in quite a while. The Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse holds monthly luncheons and they always offer great information, superb networking opportunities and not to mention a top-notch lunch! While I'd like to go into more detail about the actual meal I feel like you might be more interested in who was there and what we talked about, but just in case you are interested in the lunch menu I just have one thing to say, potatoes au gratin! Now, back to business...

I like sub-headings so let's divide this blog entry up. Up first, a little bit about who I got to network with at the luncheon and then keep reading to find out about the new economic impact study ("Winds of Prosperity") conducted by The Perryman Group.

Networking

There were several familiar faces at the luncheon. I enjoyed catching up with them and wanted to give them and their companies a quick mention. A special thanks to John with Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems for following our blog. John is always sure to remind me, every time I have the pleasure of speaking with him, that he is still following the CPWEA blog. Thanks for reading John! Cliff with Peak Wind was also at the luncheon and we had a great discussion about small wind and how popular it's becoming. I was thrilled when Cliff informed me that the Sweetwater Reporter had picked up our recent press release about a local group that's building small turbines. Finally, it's always refreshing to run into John and Micah with The Shaw Group who made the trip up from Midland. John talked briefly with the group about issues that wind developers are having when working near railroads and it was great information to know. If any of you are reading this, it was great to see you last week!

"Winds of Prosperity"

The luncheon topic was the study recently released study conducted by The Perryman Group. Hold on tight, here's the complete title for the study, "Winds of Prosperity: The Impact of the Competitive Renewable Energy Energy Zone (CREZ) Investment in Transmission Infrastructure and the Potential Effects on Renewable Generation, Electricity Cost Savings, and Economic Development."

The complete report is quite detailed. You can find it at http://www.perrymangroup.com/reports/Winds_of_Prosperity_Final.pdf if you are interested. Here are a couple of highlights discussed at the luncheon last week. According to The Perryman Group investments in wind turbines and CREZ transmission lines will have the following impacts:

• The typical Texas residential consumer is expected to potentially save $160 to $355 annually in electricity bills
• $30 billion in economic gains, employment of thousands and almost $2 billion in additional state and local taxes.
• Help the state annually conserve approximately 17 billion gallons of water, reduce
  carbon dioxide emissions by as much as16 percent and reduce nitrogen oxide
  emissions by up to 13 percent.

Check out the full report for more in-depth details from the study. Thanks again to anyone and everyone that checks out our blog from time to time. I hope we keep you informed and at least a little entertained. Now, go find a place to get some potatoes au gratin.

Until next time...