Texas Wind-Power Bill Splits Consumer Groups

Austin, TX -- - Good for the environment; bad for consumers.

That's the rap on proposed wind-power legislation that has divided two historically aligned public advocacy groups and has made allies of conservative lawmakers with an organization founded by liberal activist Ralph Nader.

House Bill 2548 would encourage the development of transmission lines to West Texas wind-power facilities. The problem -- at least according to some consumer advocates -- is that it could lead to unreasonable rate increases.

"We're for renewable energy, but we're very concerned about the cost" of the legislation, said Tim Morstad, a policy analyst at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.

His organization officially opposes the bill.

But Public Citizen, a public advocacy group that typically sides with Consumers Union, said Texas needs the bill. Because of a lack of transmission lines, only about half the power from large wind farms in West Texas gets to consumers, said Travis Brown, a Public Citizen policy analyst.

"The wind power industry essentially is at a standstill because of the transmission problem," Brown said in a news release touting House Bill 2548. "Passage of legislation that enables the Public Utility Commission to order new lines should get wind power moving again in the state."

His group has sided with Jerry Patterson, the state's Republican land commissioner, and Phil King, R-Weatherford, the chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee. King, who authored the bill, could not be reached Tuesday to comment.

Among those joining Consumers Union's opposition is a group representing electric cooperatives. A TXU spokesman also expressed reservations, although the company remains neutral on the bill.

TXU often finds itself at odds with Consumers Union. But company spokesman Chris Schein said the consumer advocacy group raises "a very good point" with regards to House Bill 2548.

"There is concern in the marketplace about this ... and really: Why do you need it?" said Schein, who emphasized that the utility is working with all interested parties to reach an agreement on the legislation.

Texas regulators consider the adequacy of service and other factors when deciding whether to order the construction of power lines. But House Bill 2548 would limit the factors that the PUC considers when proposed lines would link to renewable energy sources.

Opponents are concerned that the bill could prompt the construction of lines that otherwise would go unbuilt because they are unreasonably expensive. Ratepayers then could be left holding the bag, opponents say.

Brown, of Public Citizen, said he understands those concerns. He said King is working with Consumers Union, utility groups and others to address those concerns.

"Before it's all over, it will be worked out and there will be a compromise that everybody can agree to," Brown said.

The legislation has received approval in the House Regulated Industries Committee and now awaits consideration by the full House.