Wind Energy Consumption
Date updated: 03/29/2012
- Wind Energy Generated at the Medicine Bow Wind Project Site, 2002-2011
- Renewable Energy Purchased in Fort Collins, 2002-2011
- Renewable Energy Purchased in Loveland, 2002-2011
- Renewable Energy Purchased in Estes Park, 2002-2011
- Renewable Energy Purchased in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park as a Percentage of Total Electricity Consumption, 2002-2011
Wind energy's most important environmental benefit is its lack of pollutants and greenhouse gas air emissions. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), other methods of electricity generation (coal, oil, and natural gas) produce a variety of emissions such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides (see links for more information on these gases). In contrast, wind energy generation produces 0 pounds of pollutants and greenhouse gases and is a renewable resource.
Wind energy is generated through wind farms, which are systems of turbines powered by natural air movements. Area wind farms include Xcel Energy's Ponnequin Wind Farm and Platte River Power Authority's Medicine Bow Wind Project. In the fall of 2009 the Silver Sage Wind Site, owned and operated by Duke Energy, was put into operation. Platte River Power Authority contracts to purchase 12 MW of wind energy from the Silver Sage Wind Site.
When wind energy is generated, it becomes part of the total power grid. As such, energy suppliers cannot ensure that all the electricity used by wind energy customers is wind-generated. However, utility companies are required to match the electricity use of wind energy customers by producing a corresponding amount of wind-generated electricity.
Utility suppliers of wind energy in Larimer County include:
- City of Fort Collins Utilities - Light and Power
- City of Loveland Water and Power Department
- Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association
- Town of Estes Park Light and Power Department
- Xcel Energy
Electricity is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh represents the amount of energy needed by a 1000-Watt device (e.g. clothes-iron, microwave oven) to operate for one hour. Leaving a 100-Watt lightbulb on for 10 hours consumes 1 kWh of energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy [pdf], the average American household uses about 11,000 kWh per year. The DOE has a list of many common household appliances and their corresponding typical wattage use.
What this chart shows: Wind Energy Generated at the Medicine Bow Wind Project Site, 2002-2011
Data Source: Platte River Power Authority (data not available online)
What the above data tell us:
In 1999 there were only 2 wind turbines at Medicine Bow, but by 2002 that number increased to 10. By the end of 2002, the project was producing more than 19 million kWh of electricity. This increase is equivalent to the yearly electricity needs of approximately 1,700 average U.S. households, based on the average consumption of 11,000 kWh per year.In 2005 Platte River Power Authority leased land to Clipper Windpower for a 2.5 MW prototype turbine, the Liberty I, and all power produced by the Liberty I was purchased by Platte River Power Authority. Because the Liberty I was a prototype, there were many maintenance and performance issues that reduced the amount of power produced in 2007. Those issues were resolved in 2008 but other issues subsequently arose and the Liberty I has been offline since 2009.
What this chart shows: Renewable Energy Purchased in Fort Collins, 2002-2011
Data Source: Platte River Power Authority (data not available online)
What the above data tell us:
From 2002 to 2011, wind energy consumption in Fort Collins increased by about 85.2 million kWh, or 794%. This increase is equivalent to the yearly electricity usage of approximately 7,745 average U.S. households. The increase is due to additional wind turbines at the Medicine Bow Wind Project, an increase in the number of commercial and residential customers purchasing wind energy, and an energy policy [pdf] adopted by the City of Fort Collins in 2003.What this chart shows: Renewable Energy Purchased in Loveland, 2002-2011
Data Source: Platte River Power Authority (data not available online)
What the above data tell us:
From 2002 to 2011, wind energy consumption in Loveland increased by about 4.9 million kWh, or 630%. This increase represents the yearly electricity usage of approximately 445 average United States households. The largest increase in renewable energy took place between 2005 and 2008 and was due, according to City of Loveland Water & Power Department staff, to a dedicated full-time conservation marketing employee.The City of Loveland's GreenSwitch program is 100% voluntary and costs an additional $2.20 per 100 kWh block. The average American household consumes 11,000 kWh per year.
Additional Information:
Related Information on COMPASS -
Other Resources -
- American Wind Energy Association: A national trade association that represents wind power plant developers, wind turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants, insurers, financiers, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry.
- City of Estes Park Wind Power: Contains general and subscription information for the purchase of wind power in Estes Park.
- City of Fort Collins Utilities Wind Power Program: Contains general and subscription information for the purchase of wind power in Fort Collins.
- City of Fort Collins 2009 Energy Policy [pdf]: Contains strategic planning guidance to the City's utility department including the reduction of the City's carbon footprint.
- City of Loveland GreenSwitch Program: Contains general and subscription information for the purchase wind power in Loveland.
- Colorado State University: Information on Sustainability in Facilities Management.
- Fort Collins Wind Power Commercial Subscribers: Businesses in Fort Collins that have purchased wind power.
- Green-e: Information on the nation's leading certification program for renewable energy.
- Platte River Power Authority - Medicine Bow Wind Project
- Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA) - Green Power: Contains general and subscription information about the purchase of green power, including wind, from PVREA.
- Western Area Power Administration
- Western Resource Advocates: Balanced Energy Plan (2004)
Wind Energy Generated at the Medicine Bow Wind Project Site
|
Year |
Megawatt-hours (MWh) Generated |
|
2002 |
19,107 |
|
2003 |
16,723 |
|
2004 |
17,032 |
|
2005 |
17,078 |
|
2006 |
21,686 |
|
2007 |
16,937 |
|
2008 |
25,364 |
|
2009 |
23,595 |
|
2010 |
21,195 |
|
2011 |
16,629 |
Wind Energy Purchased in Fort Collins
|
Year |
Megawatt-hours (MWh) Purchased |
|
2002 |
10,742 |
|
2003 |
12,878 |
|
2004 |
31,400 |
|
2005 |
31,499 |
|
2006 |
45,600 |
|
2007 |
93,000 |
|
2008 |
93,000 |
|
2009 |
95,000 |
|
2010 |
96,000 |
|
2011 |
96,000 |
Wind Energy Purchased in Loveland
|
Year |
Megawatt-hours (MWh) Purchased |
|
2002 |
773 |
|
2003 |
904 |
|
2004 |
934 |
|
2005 |
1,019 |
|
2006 |
1,773 |
|
2007 |
4,700 |
|
2008 |
6,000 |
|
2009 |
5,916 |
|
2010 |
5,757 |
|
2011 |
5,643 |