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May 28, 2010

Oklahoma adopts 15% by 2015 Renewable Energy Standard

Governor Brad Henry said clean energy companies will be attracted to Oklahoma with the new Standard

Oklahoma has adopted a new Renewable Energy Standard, aiming to source 15% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015.

Governor Brad Henry said yesterday that he had signed into law the Energy Security Act.

The new law should expand the use of clean energy including wind, solar and geothermal power in the state over the next five years.

It also allows utilities to use energy efficiency programs toward the new mandate.

A natural gas standard, aiming to boost use of Oklahoma’s own reserves of natural gas, was also included by the bill introduced to the state Legislature by Speaker of the House Chris Benge and Senator David Myers.

Commenting on the new law, Governor Henry said it created a “comprehensive plan to encourage the use of Oklahoma’s clean, abundant natural resources”.

“This legislation advances our nation’s energy security, improves the environment and enhances Oklahoma’s economic development potential,” Gov. Henry said.

“It signals to renewable and clean energy manufacturers that Oklahoma is a leader in renewable energy and supportive of efforts to expand this industry. With the passage of this legislation, alternative energy manufacturing companies will take a closer look at locating in Oklahoma.”

Transmission

Along with the new Standard, the Act also requires Oklahoma’s Legislature and Corporation Commission to come up with a plan to expand the state’s grid capacity, to allow more renewable energy projects to connect up.

“Without adequate transmission capacity, Oklahoma may miss an opportunity to provide clean energy for the region,” Bobby Wegener, Oklahoma’s Energy Secretary, said.

“A more robust transmission system will increase reliability for all customers and allow clean Oklahoma power generation to serve the electricity needs of Oklahomans and others throughout the country.”