TVA Cited For Wind Energy Development

Tennessee Valley Authority named “Utility of the Year” for pioneering wind power in the Southeast

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been named “Utility of the Year” by the American Wind Energy Association for bringing wind-generated electricity to its customers in the Southeast U.S., and its long-term commitment to low-cost, cleaner energy.

TVA has signed nine contracts with eight different wind farms since 2008, bringing in wind power from as far as Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa. It also installed its own utility-scale wind turbines, the first in the Southeast. TVA is purchasing 1,340 megawatts of wind that is currently operating and was expecting another 200 megawatts by the end of 2012.

TVA has set a goal of being one of the nation’s leading providers of low-cost, cleaner energy by 2020.

AWEA’s Utility of the Year award is given to the U.S. electric utility that has done the most to advance wind power’s growth through its actions.

“We honor TVA with this award to recognize their accomplishments for wind power in general and how they’ve achieved these results in a way that benefits other utilities and the entire wind energy industry,” said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA.

“By adding wind generation into its energy mix, TVA and the distributors of TVA power are introducing more clean technology to the Tennessee Valley,” added Bode.

Accepting the award on behalf of TVA were Patty West, Director of Renewable Energy Programs, and Chris Hansen, Director, Power Origination.

“The addition of wind energy helps TVA achieve its vision of being a leading provider of low cost and cleaner energy.” West said. “We’re confident that wind power will continue to demonstrate its value, effectiveness and potential in the years to come.”