Wind power saves money

New England ratepayers have already realized tangible benefits from wind power being added to the utility system. Developing wind power has meant millions of dollars of new economic development and environmental benefits in the form of cleaner air from the displacement of dirtier forms of energy.

Adding wind power and other renewable energies to the New England energy portfolio is also making the energy market more competitive, benefiting consumers. Power system analyses of the Midwest, Texas, Mid-Atlantic and New York by independent utility systems experts have found that market prices in areas with wind power have been significantly lower than if wind had not entered the market.

In fact, a 2010 New England Wind Integration Study found that wholesale electricity prices would decline anywhere from $5 per MWh to $11 per MWh if the region generated 20 percent of its power from wind, depending on which sites were used for wind production.

By having its state