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Wind May Be The Next Big Energy Provider

By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's always a lot of wind in politics but, this year, maybe a little more.

Energy will be an issue in the mid-term elections and the Governor's race. Wind is currently a minor energy contributor, providing 1.5 percent in PA, says Central High and Wharton grad Jacob Susman, founder of community wind farm builder OwnEnergy.

He says wind power still needs the Federal Production Tax Credit to be price competitive, but only for a few more years.

"The cost has come down dramatically in the last five to 10 years alone. This may not be the case as much in Pennsylvania yet, but in places like Oklahoma and Kansas a megawatt-hour of wind energy is no more expensive than a megawatt-hour of gas-fired power."

Susman says using more wind means junking old coal plants, something that will not be popular in coal country, hence Susman's advice: if you want it to happen, let your politicians know.

 

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