In addition, urban sources of biomass in landfill sites may represent some of the best opportunities for power generation. Strong markets for bioenergy are being created in Texas. Other manufacturers are developing efficient means for burning biomass fuels cleanly for heat and electric generation. In December 1996, the City of Austin Electric Utility began purchasing electricity from a nominal 3-MW power plant using landfill gas as the fuel source. The plant uses perforated pipes to capture methane gas generated below ground at the site.
Recent surveys indicate that consumers desire electricity generated from clean renewable resources.
According to Central and South West Services, Inc., surveys conducted in in Abilene, Shreveport, and Corpus Christi, customers would prefer that utilities invest in energy conservation and renewable energy options to meet future power needs. The survey results indicate a market for renewables and suggest that customers would support a major statewide effort toward renewable resources. References American Wind Energy Association, Internet Web page, 1997. Central and Southwest Services, Inc., Customer Survey Results, 1997.