OG&E has energized its new transmission line between Woodward and Oklahoma City, opening a vital pathway for wind power produced in northwestern Oklahoma.

Known as Windspeed, the 121-mi, 345-kV transmission line runs from Woodward to Oklahoma City and was approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in 2008. It connects OG&E's new extra-high-voltage substation near Woodward with the company's existing transmission grid. The new Woodward substation also will serve as a renewable energy transmission hub as more wind farms are developed in the area.

"This is an important milestone in the ongoing development of renewable energy in our state," said Pete Delaney, OGE Energy Corp. chairman, president and CEO. "The new line supports a more robust build out of Oklahoma's wind potential; producing revenue for landowners, creating jobs, increasing tax revenues in northwestern Oklahoma, and delivering renewable energy to Oklahoma consumers."