Oklahoma Gas and Electric announced today it filed a renewable energy program with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
The filing details OG&E’s intention to quadruple its Oklahoma wind-energy capacity to 770 megawatts. It also includes a request to being providing an option that would allow its customers to choose up to 100 percent renewable energy.
“The comprehensive filing reflects our integrated approach to renewables development in Oklahoma. OG&E is seeking permission to not only build the infrastructure requested to provide a much greater supply of wind energy, but also a tariff to enable our customers to be 100-percent green in their electricity purchase,” Pete Delaney, chairman, president and CEO of OGE Energy Corp. said in a statement. “Wind energy has great value as a hedge against increasing natural gas prices and the potential cost associated with federal greenhouse gas legislation.”
If the Commission approves the filings, the renewable energy program could begin rolling out in early 2009 using its existing 170 megawatts. As new wind regeneration becomes available – 300 megawatts in 2010 and another 300 megawatts in 2011 or 2012 – the program could expand.
The application asks the Commission to approve the cost to build the transmission line between Woodward and Oklahoma City – which would carry energy produced by northwestern Oklahoma wind farms — along with a rider to allow recovery of transmission costs for the line and a proposed tariff. Existing transmission facilities are nearing capacity, the company said.
OG&E estimates residential customers would pay about $1.50 per month in 2010.
