LONG-TERM WIND FORECASTS EASE WORRY OVER SLOWED Q1 OUTPUT

Weak wind resources in 1st quarter look like 'aberration,' developer says

Michael Copley, May 26, 2015 SNL

Weather pattern-caused weaker winds in the Western and Southwestern U.S. have caused wind-generated electricity to drop 20% to 50%, forcing power producers to turn to alternative resources and electricity markets. Weather analysts, which wind investors increasingly rely on, say the diminished resource is from an early-2015 change in weather patterns while the changing climate is likely to cause increased wind productivity. tronger winds are expected in the West and Southwest for the rest of 2015 and 2016, associated an El Niño weather pattern. NRG Yield reported lower than expected Q1 earnings and reduced 2015 expectations. Pattern Energy Group’s Q1 available cash fell nearly 48% year-on-year. Southern California Edison was forced to buy electricity on the open market after Q1 wind production fell 50%. click here for more

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