Tag

Ercot

All articles tagged with #ercot

energy1 year ago

Texas Faces Looming Power Crisis as Demand Soars and Grid Weaknesses Persist

Texas will need nearly double its current power supply by 2030 due to increasing population and high demand from large customers like oil and gas companies and data centers. ERCOT predicts demand could reach 150GW, up from last year's record 85GW. New legislation and large customer practices are causing concerns among residents. While reforms were made after Winter Storm Uri, critics argue they are insufficient. However, the situation may boost renewable energy initiatives and conservation programs.

science-and-technology1 year ago

"Preparing for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Impacts on Power, Food, and Duration"

The path of April's total solar eclipse is expected to briefly reduce solar power output in Texas, but experts assure that the electric grid can compensate for the dip using other energy sources. The eclipse's impact on the US power grid is not anticipated to cause significant disruptions, as utility companies can prepare for its path, timing, and duration. Homeowners relying solely on solar power and situated in the path of totality may experience a brief impact, but overall, the eclipse is not a cause for concern and can be enjoyed safely with proper eyewear.

energy-policy1 year ago

"Democrats Propose Bill to Connect Texas Power Grid to National Grid"

Reps. Casar and Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Connect the Grid Act to connect Texas's grid with the national grid, aiming to prevent future power outages. The bill would place ERCOT under federal oversight and require a study on connecting with Mexico. They argue that interconnecting the grid could have prevented mass power outages during the winter storm and could lower national carbon emissions due to Texas's renewable energy production. The bill's Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Markey and has support from progressive lawmakers, but faces challenges in the GOP-majority House.

energy1 year ago

"Texas Tech's Power Move: Lubbock's Energy Market Deadline Looms"

After years of desiring a more competitive electricity market, residents of Lubbock, Texas, are finally getting their wish as the city's electric market opens up. With over 30 companies to choose from, residents are finding the process overwhelming, and concerns linger about finding a new low rate. Despite the challenges, the switch to the state's open marketplace represents a significant milestone for the city, which has invested millions in the move. As the deadline approaches, residents are diligently researching their options to find the best deals and perks, with about 45% having already chosen their provider.

weather2 years ago

"Texas Braces for Another Cold Front as ERCOT Issues Grid Notice"

ERCOT has issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN) ahead of an extreme cold weather event predicted to hit the Houston area from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2024. This notice is part of ERCOT's standard procedures to ensure market participants are prepared for potential grid challenges. The OCN is the first of four levels of communication issued in anticipation of a possible Emergency Condition, indicating compromised or threatened safety or reliability of the ERCOT System.

energy-weather2 years ago

"ERCOT Urges Energy Conservation Amid Houston's Arctic Blast Power Outages"

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a conservation appeal due to a winter storm hitting Texas, but the grid conditions returned to 'green' as the conservation appeal ended. The difference between forecasted available capacity and demand varied throughout the morning, with customers using less energy than forecasted. Despite earlier concerns, the actual demand versus forecast demand was off by 10,000 megawatts, and supply exceeded forecasted levels.

energy-markets2 years ago

"Record Demand Spurs Natural Gas Jump Amid Winter Freeze"

US natural gas supplies have dropped significantly due to extreme cold, leading to record demand for heating and power. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) urged conservation efforts as electricity demand was expected to surpass all-time highs. Gas production in key areas like the Permian Basin and North Dakota's Bakken shale field was affected, while power prices soared to multi-year highs across the US and Canada.

energy2 years ago

"ERCOT Urges Energy Conservation Amid Record-Breaking Arctic Blast in Texas"

ERCOT, Texas' electric grid operator, is asking residents to conserve electricity from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday morning due to tight grid operations and high demand caused by winter weather. This is the second consecutive day of conservation appeals, and similar grid operations are expected on Wednesday morning. ERCOT has outlined different alert levels and a notification system for residents to stay informed about grid conditions.

weather2 years ago

"Central Texas Braces for Arctic Blast: Live Updates and Emergency Operations Activated"

An arctic cold front has hit Central Texas, bringing a winter weather advisory, hard freeze warning, and wind chill advisory until Wednesday. Some snow flurries are expected around noon Monday, with cold weather remaining a concern. Power outages are minimal, but residents are advised to conserve electricity. Road conditions are icy in some areas, leading to flight cancellations and adjusted public transportation services. Emergency Operations Centers are open, and warming centers and cold weather shelters are available for those in need.

energy2 years ago

"US Natural Gas Supply Suffers Amid Winter Freeze and Soaring Demand"

Sub-zero temperatures in the U.S. have caused a significant drop in natural gas production, leading to record-high electricity demand in some states, particularly Texas. The state's grid regulator issued a conservation call due to freezing temperatures and low operating reserves. With gas and oil production declining in North Dakota, gas prices have surged, potentially setting the stage for a repeat of the 2021 winter power outages.

weather-and-energy2 years ago

"Preparing for the Texas Arctic Blast: Gov. Abbott Addresses Winter Weather Impact and Power Grid Concerns"

Texas is bracing for an incoming arctic blast, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing for days, raising concerns about the state's power grid following the 2021 winter storm. However, independent analysts and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) are confident that grid conditions will be normal, citing a comfortable cushion of extra energy capacity and milder impact on infrastructure compared to 2021. While the cold weather may drive energy use to record levels, long-term challenges in meeting the state's energy demand persist, with suggestions to improve energy efficiency and address infrastructure needs.

weather2 years ago

"Texas Grid's Resilience Tested as Arctic Blast Approaches"

As Texas braces for an Arctic blast, experts weigh in on the state's power grid readiness for severe winter storms. Confidence levels vary, with one expert rating it at 9, citing significant improvements since the 2021 grid failure, while another expresses a 7, foreseeing potential rolling blackouts. A third expert gives a split confidence score of 3 and 8, highlighting the vulnerability of Texas homes' heating systems. The need for better grid connectivity and energy-efficient heating solutions is emphasized to mitigate potential outages.

weather2 years ago

"ERCOT and CPS Energy Prepare for Potential Rolling Blackouts Amid Arctic Blast Threat in Texas"

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has released a forecast for January, predicting that the power grid may require controlled outages during extreme weather conditions similar to those experienced in December 2022. The forecast indicates that next Tuesday at 8 a.m. has the highest probability of ERCOT needing to order controlled outages, based on the winter freeze scenario from 2022. This information was published in ERCOT’s monthly report, which is accessible from their website.

weather2 years ago

"ERCOT Issues Cold Weather Alert for Texas Power Grid"

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for Jan. 15-17, alerting Texans about an anticipated increase in electrical demand due to an Arctic blast of cold air expected to hit the state on Sunday, bringing extreme cold temperatures. The agency advises the public to pay attention to changing conditions and has not issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice at this time. Last year, ERCOT launched the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) to provide advanced alerts and voluntary conservation requests during peak times.