Texas wind farms are generating so much energy that some utilities are giving power away, reports the New York Times. TXU Energy is making a bold attempt to change the way Texans consume energy. The utility’s free overnight plan encourages customers to use less energy when wholesale prices are highest and use more when prices are lowest—after 9 pm. The plan comes with slightly higher daytime rates.
Texas has more wind power than any other state. Roughly 10 percent of the state’s power comes from wind. The issue is, Texas runs its own electricity grid that barely connects to the rest of the country. So the wind power generated at night must be consumed here in the Lone Star State. But wind is the strongest at night, when the fewest people are using energy. Hence TXU’s plan.