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