Wind Energy - A Utility Perspective

Of all the renewable energy systems, wind turbine generators (WTG´s) are likely to make the earliest significant cost-effective´ contribution to the utility grid. In order to accelerate the commercial deployment of WTG´s, several issues must be addressed in a timely manner. This paper presents some of the ´ issues facing the utility industry as they relate to implementation of an effective wind energy program. In addition, the Southern California Edison Company´s wind energy program is presented, which is designed to provide pertinent answers to the technical, economic and environmental issues concerning WTG installations and their commercial viability as a future generation resource