Looking to add 225 megawatts of wind-generated power by December 2008, Texas-based Austin Energy is nearly doubling it's green energy sources.

UK company Renewable Energy Systems (RES) will begin construction in 2007 and 2008 on two new wind farms in West Texas. The Whirlwind Energy Center will be constructed 60 miles northeast of Lubbock, and features 28 new turbines that can produce up to 60 megawatts of wind-generated power—enough to power 28,000 homes according to RES. The second facility—near Abilene in Shackleford County—will produce upwards of 165 megawatts of wind power. RES is expected to finish construction on this wind farm—the Hackberry Wind Project—in late 2008.

The projects will increase Austin Energy's green power portfolio—specifically its Green Choice® program—which will receive a portion of the 100 megawatt energy generated between both facilities.

Green Choice is part of Austin Energy's goal to produce 30 percent of its current power supply from renewable energy sources by 2020. For more information regarding Austin Energy's Green Choice program and other products and intitiatives, please see the company newsroom.

Reliant Energy™ announced that eight Houston-area high school student athletes will each receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of the company's "Scholarship for Champions -- Powering Strong Minds and Bodies" program.

"The scholarship winners have each demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in academics and athletics," said Tracy Carmen-Jones, vice president, Reliant Energy™ Community Marketing. "We are thrilled to recognize these eight deserving student athletes and to help them achieve the goals they have set out to accomplish on and off the field."

Each recipient is required to maintain good academic standing and display ethics and leadership qualities to be eligible for the program. The eight students were selected by Reliant™ and the Houston Texans, and will receive a surprise visit by a Texans player at their school to present the award. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game ceremony during the Texans' season, and as honorees at the Houston Texans Draft Luncheon.

Reliant Energy™, based in Houston, provides electricity and energy services to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. In Texas, the company provides service to approximately 1.9 million retail electricity customers, including residential and small business customers and large commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers.

For a list of the scholarship recipients and their accomplishments, please see the Reliant Energy™ press release.

CPS Energy was named a "Top Utility for 2006" by economic development trade magazine "Site Selection" in its September issue. CPS Energy was the only utility in Texas to receive the designation among the 11 winning companies.

"These awards recognize those utilities that were able to attract substantial capital investment and new jobs to their service areas in 2006," Site Selection Editor Mark Arend stated. "Utilities play a key role as participants in the economic development efforts of cities, regions and all areas working to improve their local business climate. This year's Top Utilities were particularly successful in this endeavor in 2006."

"CPS Energy owns and operates a diverse source of power, providing an ability to combine affordable rates with reserve capacity in excess of 20 percent," said Milton Lee, CPS Energy General Manager and CEO. Lee added that the company has embraced economic development as a key to community growth and development. "We are a proud partner in the economic development efforts of the city, spearheaded by the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, and we're excited to receive this designation on behalf of all the successful economic development efforts of the past few years."

A partnership between the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (EDF) and CPS Energy resulted in 23 new companies, over $215 in capital investment in 2006, and more than 4,100 jobs.affordable rates with reserve capacity in excess of 20 percent," said Milton Lee, CPS Energy General Manager and CEO. Lee added that the company has embraced economic development as a key to community growth and development. "We are a proud partner in the economic development efforts of the city, spearheaded by the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, and we're excited to receive this designation on behalf of all the successful economic development efforts of the past few years."

A partnership between the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (EDF) and CPS Energy resulted in 23 new companies, over $215 in capital investment in 2006, and more than 4,100 jobs.

For more information see the CPS Energy press releases.

Commerce Energy and PolyBrite International have entered a joint-marketing arrangement to produce energy-efficient lighting options.

Commerce will market long-lasting, energy-saving, mercury-free LED light bulbs developed by PolyBrite—under the Borealis brand—through its corporate Web site, CommerceEnergy.com.

"This bulb is an exciting innovation and one that has synergy with Commerce Energy's goals of helping customers save money and contribute to the improvement of the environment by using less energy," said Steven S. Boss, Commerce Energy chief executive officer. "Finding ways to use energy more effectively and efficiently are among the benefits of a robust, competitive energy market. We're pleased to stand with PolyBrite in making this safe, innovative product easy for consumers to find."

According to Carl Scianna—PolyBrite President and CEO—the new bulbs will last up to 15 years or possibly longer, use up to 90 percent less energy, are more durable and contain no harmful toxins. PolyBrite and Commerce hope that this new joint-marketing agreement will help energy consumers control utility costs and conserve energy while still maintaining quality lighting standards.

For more information see the Commerce Energy Media Center.

A recent article in the Austin Business Journal announced that Austin Energy's Sand Hill Energy Center—in eastern Travis County—will undergo $60 million in expansions. The planed expansion comes in the wake of recent news that Holly Power Plant in East Austin will close in late September.

Two 50 megawatt turbines will be added in the next two years, with the modified 747 jet engines generating power in about 10 minutes for electricity demand peaks during inclement weather. The plant's total load capacity will subsequently increase from 180 to 280 megawatts, bringing the Sand Hill Center's total capacity to 580 megawatts; a significant increase that is capable of powering 435,000 homes.

The expansions are covered by Austin Energy's capital reserves, so there is no concern for rate- plan increases. Since peak demand in Austin leaves only 17 percent in the energy reserves, the expansion should add to the total energy capacity of 2,900 megawatts that Austin Energy currently has.