Climate Changed
When Does the Windy City Lose Wind Power? During a Polar Vortex
- Turbines often idled during deep freezes to prevent damage
- Reduction in wind output boosts fuel burns as prices climb
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The wind farms erected across the central U.S. over the past decade were supposed to provide cheap power during the blustery winter months. But they were never designed for cold like this.
As a life-threatening freeze brought temperatures that may reach all-time record lows in the Chicago area Thursday morning, heating demand surged and power suppliers were forced to start up older coal and natural gas facilities that only operate on an as-needed basis. One of the reasons why is that wind-power generation has plummeted.