Statistical Grok: Wind + Production Credit = Growth

by Bill Chameides | September 12th, 2008
posted by Erica Rowell (Editor)

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On a percentage basis, wind power is the fastest growing electricity source in the United States. This didn’t happen in a vacuum. The federal renewable production tax credit has promoted the development of wind and other renewable energy. But this simple, effective idea — invest in renewable energy and Uncle Sam gives you a credit on your tax bill — could be history unless the Senate acts soon.

Second largest source of new power production added in 2007:
Wind power at 30%

Years with continuity in production tax credit:
2005 through present

Years renewable production tax credit was allowed to expire:
2000, 2002, 2004

Average drop in added wind capacity in years after tax credit expired compared to previous year:
81%

Next expiration date of current production tax credit:
December 31, 2008

Number of months the current Congress has been in session:
20 ½

Number of months it took Congress to enact a new renewable production tax credit:
Has yet to happen

Number of months left before renewable production tax credit expires:
Less than 4

Source

American Wind Energy Association – www.awea.org

filed under: faculty, policy, politics, renewable energy, Statistically Speaking
and: production tax credits, renewables, wind