"Wind Power Without U.S. Subsidy to Become Cheaper Than Gas"

"Wind power will be cheaper than electricity produced from natural gas within a decade, even without a federal tax incentive, according to a U.S. Energy Department analysis.

Cost reductions and technology improvements will reduce the price of wind power to below that of fossil-fuel generation, even after a $23-per-megawatt-hour subsidy provided now to wind farm owners ends, according to a report released Thursday. That may drive up demand for turbines from companies like General Electric Co. and Vestas Wind Systems A/S.

“Wind offers a power resource that’s already the most competitive option in many parts of the nation,” Lynn Orr, under secretary for science and energy at the Energy Department, said on a conference call with reporters. “With continued commitment, wind can be the cheapest, cleanest power option in all 50 states by 2050.”   "

Christopher Martin and Justin Doom report for Bloomberg March 12, 2015.