When it comes to saving energy and creating opportunity, the wind is at our backs. Oklahoma has always been known for wind. Now thanks to groundbreaking technology, wind energy is increasingly being used to power our daily lives, creating jobs and prosperity across our state in the process.
At PSO, we’re proud to play our part, and you can too (see No. 5). Here are five reasons why wind energy is a winner:
1 . Oklahoma is No. 2 in wind energy.
Oklahoma is a wind energy leader, and we’re just getting started! We are number two in the nation for wind energy, behind only Texas. Wind already accounts for 36% of Oklahoma’s daily electrical needs, powering jobs and investing money in schools and communities statewide. All Oklahomans should take pride in their wind energy industry and be energized at what more we can do.
2. Wind powers jobs.
The U.S. wind energy industry employs more than 114,000 people. Most of the wind turbine’s components are manufactured in the U.S., and there are 500 wind-related manufacturing facilities across 41 states. In fact, employment in the U.S. wind industry increased by 8% in 2018.
3. Watts up? Our wind power capacity!
At the end of 2018, the United States’ wind power capacity was 96,433 megawatts —enough to offset consumption in 25 million American homes. For context, that’s more than the population of Florida. In Oklahoma, the sky is the limit. Oklahoma’s wind power industry has about 1,300 megawatts of undeveloped capacity, 15% of existing capacity.
4. 8,000 reasons wind turbines are amazing.
Still picturing a turn-of-the-century windmill? Not anymore. Today’s wind turbines are a marvel of modern engineering. In fact, a wind turbine has as many as 8,000 different components. See how they work.
5. You can power your home or business with wind.
Harnessing wind to power your home is easier and more affordable than ever. For just a few extra dollars a month, you can get up to 100% wind power. You’ll help support Oklahoma jobs, protect our environment, and conserve energy for future use. That’s what we call a wind-WIN! See how WindChoice works.
Ready to choose clean, homegrown Oklahoma energy? Choose WindChoice.