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1. Does Oncor use wind energy?

   Oncor is an electricity delivery company and is not involved in the production of electricity from wind or any other source. However, Oncor is playing a very critical role in the development of transmission lines that will facilitate growth in wind energy. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has designated Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) as specific areas located in West Texas and the Texas Panhandle that have been identified as resource rich, high wind areas and has authorized the development of transmission lines from these areas to major population centers. Oncor plans to invest more than $1 billion on CREZ transmission line projects over the next few years to integrate wind generated electricity, in a cost-effective manner, into the electric market and continue to ensure a steady, reliable supply of electricity to the more than 400 communities we serve.

   -Autry W., Oncor CREZ Expert

2. What is CREZ? How can I find out more about it?

   CREZ stands for Competitive Renewable Energy Zones. These are specific areas located in West Texas and the Texas Panhandle that have been identified as resource rich, high wind areas. Oncor plans to invest more than $1 billion on CREZ transmission line projects over the next few years to integrate wind generated electricity, in a cost-effective manner, into the electric market and continue to ensure a steady, reliable supply of electricity to the more than 400 communities we serve.

   You can find more information regarding CREZ at www.oncor.com/TransmissionProjects.

   -Autry W., Oncor CREZ Expert

3. What is the typical daily usage of electricity for a city the size of Dallas? How many homes will a wind turbine such as those in West Texas serve?

   It is difficult to determine what “average” usage would be for a city, as usage changes every day based on a number of factors. A city the size of Dallas might have an average use of about 50 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day, when viewed on an annual basis. This includes homes, schools, offices, retail establishments, industry and government use. The actual use varies throughout the year and is generally much higher on hot summer days and very cold winter days and generally less on moderate spring or fall days when there is less need for heating or air conditioning.

   It is also difficult to estimate how many homes a wind turbine would supply, as the amount of available electricity will depend on whether and when the winds blow and if homes are consuming electricity while the winds are blowing. The annual electricity produced by a modern wind turbine could potentially supply the annual electricity needs of 500 homes, if the homes all consumed energy when the wind blows. The actual electricity use by homes is higher in the summer and winter and in daytime. Wind tends to blow more in spring and fall and at nighttime, so the power system must be designed to deliver energy to homes whenever they need it, regardless of when the wind blows.

   -Bill M., Oncor Research Expert

4. Oncor is heavily involved with the building of CREZ transmission lines over the next few years. What is the outlook for Oncor beyond the completion of these lines in the renewable energy field?

   In addition to building CREZ (Competitive Renewable Energy Zones) transmission lines to connect wind energy in West Texas to other parts of Oncor’s service territory, Oncor is invested in renewable energy through our energy efficiency programs. We offer incentives for wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and biomass projects. The solar thermal and photovoltaic projects are available for both residential and commercial customers, while the wind and biomass are limited to commercial customers. For more information on Oncor’s energy efficiency programs, visit our site www.takealoadofftexas.com.

   -Price R., Oncor Energy Efficiency Expert