A very informative, readable article about the complications of implementing wind energy. My one quibble is that the author didn't discuss the science behind moving electricity through major transmission lines in as much detail as I would have liked. Still, this shows the big picture of wind power like I've never seen in a news article.

Excellent context, although I wish this was more technical. Although the general explanation is good enough, it really doesn't make clear in numbers how 1% of generation capacity can break the system. More sources for the states' viewpoints would be good.

After reading this article, I now understand major hurdles the U.S. is facing in switching from traditional (fossil fuels) to alternative energy (wind, solar); these obstacles are, what New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson calls, "a third-world grid", and also includes complex conflicts between states over interstate energy lines and future projects. The reporter includes quotations from many key, named players, and this gives credibility to the piece, yet is also a bit vague in ... More »

A very good story about the need for larger power lines to distribute power from the wind turbines to the users of electric. Once again the easy answer is more complex than we think.

To significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, the U.S. needs both a distributive grid system whereby much of the electricity is made close to the point of use (like the home) AND a select few trunk lines to places where wind energy is most available. The article makes NO mention of the effect of a distributive system in relieving the pressure on the current grid.

A really good piece on an important topic. He brings up a lot of important topics. Two things he didn't touch on are: 1) as we switch to more electric transportation, our grid problems are likely to get worse, and 2) long-distance transmission wastes a lot of power. So whoever he quoted that said we don't need new transmission technology was wrong. Right now, you lose a certain percentage for every mile you transport. Making that more efficient would mean we needed to generate less. ... More »

This is the kind of information that you get when the writer is not knowledgeable in the field they are writing about. They become the shill for vested interests who want to continue to fleece the public. The article completely ignores the most rational approach to renewable energy - distributed generation. This locally generated and supplied renewable energy does not require massive, endless investments in transmission lines so that centralized monopolistic utilities firms can ... More »

The article presents a problem for the efficient use of wind power. It is a bit weak on details and statistics to flesh out the story. The article does not mention the relative advantage of local photovoltaic solar power in that the power can be generated in the community or even the house in which it is generated.

The article does a good job explaining the advantages of a national power grid. It isn't as good at explaining the advantages of local control of power grids (Public Utilities Commissions, etc.). Perhaps a good model for a nation power grid would be the Interstate Highway system. Largely it was designed and built by the Feds, but largely leaving details and maintainance to the States. In fact, why not build the national power grid on Interstate Highway right of ways?

Let's hope that now that environmentalists are in love with impracticible wind energy we can relax the piles of paperwork put in place by environmental lobbies to prevent construction of power lines and anything else having to do with energy.

This story brings to light an aspect of the national push for renewable energy of which many may be unaware. Encouraging more mind-share to the topic is always a good thing, and broadening the scope of their thought is even better.