Wind Energy and the Inland Empire
Drivers heading east from Rialto along Interstate 10 eventually pass one of the most iconic sights in Southern California: thousands of wind turbines in the San Gorgonio Pass near Palm Springs. This area was one of the earliest commercial wind regions in the United States. Further north, the Tehachapi wind resource area hosts some of the largest wind projects in the country. Together, these resources deliver clean electricity to communities throughout Southern California, including Rialto.
Although Rialto itself is not a wind farm location, its residents and businesses benefit from wind power delivered through the regional grid. Understanding the companies behind wind energy helps residents appreciate how clean electricity reaches their homes and how the industry is evolving.
Why Wind Matters for California
Wind complements solar energy because it often blows strongest in the evening and at night, when solar generation declines. This helps California balance its grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Offshore wind development along the California coast is also being explored, which could significantly increase clean energy supply in the coming decades.
The Top 10 Wind Energy Companies Relevant to Rialto
1. NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from wind and sun. It operates wind projects in California and across the country, along with battery storage that helps integrate renewable power into the grid.
2. Terra-Gen
Terra-Gen is a major renewable energy developer with large wind and storage operations in California, including in the Tehachapi region. Its projects provide clean power to utilities and corporate buyers in Southern California.
3. EDF Power Solutions
EDF Power Solutions, formerly known as EDF Renewables North America, develops and operates wind, solar, and storage projects. It has a long history of wind energy development in California.
4. Avangrid
Avangrid is one of the largest wind operators in the United States, with onshore wind projects across multiple states and a growing focus on offshore wind and grid infrastructure.
5. Clearway Energy
Clearway Energy owns and operates wind and solar facilities, including significant projects in California. It supplies renewable energy under long-term contracts to utilities and businesses.
6. Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison purchases wind power for its customers and built the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, a major transmission line that delivers wind energy from the Tehachapi area to population centers across Southern California.
7. Vestas
Vestas is one of the world's leading wind turbine manufacturers. Its turbines are used in many wind projects across California and the United States, and it provides service and maintenance throughout their operating life.
8. GE Vernova
GE Vernova manufactures onshore and offshore wind turbines along with grid technologies. Its turbines power many American wind farms, and its grid solutions help integrate renewable energy reliably.
9. Siemens Gamesa
Siemens Gamesa is a major global wind turbine manufacturer, particularly strong in offshore wind technology. Its innovations are expected to play a role in future California offshore projects.
10. Bergey Windpower
Bergey Windpower manufactures small wind turbines for homes, farms, and businesses. For rural properties in the Inland Empire with strong wind resources, small wind systems can complement solar power.
Wind Energy Trends
Repowering is a major trend in older wind regions like the San Gorgonio Pass. Developers are replacing many small, older turbines with fewer, larger, more efficient models, generating more energy with less land disturbance. Battery storage paired with wind projects is improving reliability, while new transmission investments are unlocking additional wind resources.
Offshore wind off California's central and northern coasts has drawn interest from major developers. Floating turbine technology is required due to deep coastal waters, and the industry is working through engineering, permitting, and port infrastructure challenges.
How Rialto Residents Can Support Wind Energy
Most Rialto residents cannot install large wind turbines, but they can support wind energy by enrolling in renewable energy programs offered through their utility, purchasing renewable energy certificates, or choosing businesses that prioritize clean power. Businesses with large energy needs can explore power purchase agreements that directly support new wind and solar projects.
Economic Benefits of Wind Energy for the Region
Wind energy brings meaningful economic benefits to Southern California and the Inland Empire. Construction and operation of wind farms create jobs for technicians, electricians, engineers, and heavy equipment operators. Wind turbine technician roles are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country, and community colleges across the region offer training in renewable energy and electrical systems that can lead to these careers.
Wind projects also generate lease payments for landowners and tax revenue for local governments, supporting schools and public services. For logistics-heavy communities like Rialto, the expansion of clean electricity supports the electrification of trucks and warehouse equipment, helping reduce air pollution along busy freight corridors.
Final Thoughts
Wind energy plays an essential role in California's clean energy mix, delivering power that complements solar generation and supports grid reliability. The ten companies above are leaders in developing, manufacturing, and delivering wind energy to Southern California. For Rialto residents and businesses, understanding these companies highlights how the region is moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.