But
potential
big
gains
for
the
industry
could
be
slowed
by
federal
energy
policies,
low
natural-gas
prices
and
a
debate
over
the
role
of wind
in
the
state’s
deregulated
electricity
market.
What
is
clear
is
that
a
$7bn
expansion
of
high-voltage
transmission
lines
scheduled
for
completion
in
2013
will
unlock
vast
amounts
of
quality
wind
resource
in
the
Panhandle
region
and
parts
of
west
Texas.
This
will provide
capacity
to
support
18.4GW
of
wind
power
at
peak
output
and
eliminate
curtailments
at
existing
wind
farms.
Transmission
constraints
have
slowed
the
growth
of
installations…
