Wind energy conference aims to answer questions

Wind Energy

By Kevin Welch
kevin.welch@amarillo.com
Publication Date: 7/10/07
Reprinted with permission

Local groups hope to answer some of the questions blowing in the wind at an upcoming seminar.

The wind energy conference will be Aug. 1 at the Amarillo Civic Center.

"It's not understood by everybody, and we thought if we brought it all together, it would help people," said John Teague, vice president of business development and governmental affairs for the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. "There are so many aspects, if you get into one, it leads to another."

While the Public Utilities Commission has delayed until mid-August saying which regions it will name as Competitive Renewable Energy Zones, making them the focus for building transmission lines, the Panhandle wind industry is moving ahead.

Numerous entities have submitted their final briefs to the PUC, including their plans to build wind farms to generate thousands of megawatts of electricity. They also report continued leasing of wind rights, which will be one of the seminar's topics.

"The PUC will be here to discuss the renewable energy zones, Xcel Energy will talk about their systems and how wind fits in, attorneys will talk about wind leases and royalties," Teague said. "County officials will speak about economic development, and there will be information about small installations. For example, the Shallowater school district generates its own electricity."

The conference will run all day, beginning at 9 a.m. Call Kim Turner at (806) 373-7800 for more information or e-mail her at kim@amarillo-chamber.org.

The chamber, Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, Xcel, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, High Ground of Texas, the city of Amarillo and the Underwood law firm combined to organize and underwrite the seminar.

If you go

What: Wind energy conference

When: 9 a.m. Aug. 1

Where: Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom

Registration: Due July 25

Cost: $20, includes box lunch

Information and registration: Kim Turner, (806) 373-7800 or kim@amarillo-chamber.org. Registration forms are also available at www.amarillo-chamber.org under "Upcoming Chamber Events."

This column is published for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.