Wind farms on the Gulf Coast are becoming important contributors to wind energy in Texas.
The Houston Chronicle reports that although the generating capacity and wind speeds on the Gulf are lower than those on west Texas wind farms, Gulf wind is more reliable during peak power demand periods.
Wind energy from the Gulf can lessen price spikes on hot summer days and decrease customer bills.
North Carolina-based Duke Energy developed its first wind farm on the Gulf in 2012. There are nine wind farms between Corpus Christi and Brownsville. They have a capacity of 3,000 megawatts, which is about 15 percent of the state's total wind generating capacity. Another four projects are in development.
One megawatt can provide energy for about 200 homes on a hot day.
