Tag

Texas Power Grid

All articles tagged with #texas power grid

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 Braces for Peak Demand as Arctic Blast Threatens Power Grid"

Texas is bracing for an incoming arctic blast that will bring freezing temperatures to much of the state, raising concerns about the readiness of the power grid after the 2021 winter storm. While the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expects grid conditions to be normal, long-term challenges in meeting energy demand persist. The cold front is not anticipated to be as severe as the 2021 storm, and there is confidence in the electricity supply, but policymakers and energy analysts emphasize the need for improvements in energy efficiency and infrastructure to address the state's growing energy demand.

energyenvironment2 years ago

"Voters to Decide Fate of Texas' Troubled Power Grid"

Texas will vote on Proposition 7, a constitutional amendment that would allocate $10 billion to upgrade or build new natural gas power plants to support the state's unreliable power grid. The proposition excludes renewable energy sources and has faced opposition from environmental groups who argue that fossil fuel infrastructure was to blame for previous power outages. Critics argue that investing in energy efficiency and batteries would be a better use of funds and that the proposition could hinder the progress of renewable energy in the state.

energy2 years ago

"Texas Power Grid Activates Emergency Mode to Prevent Blackouts"

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has entered emergency operations to prevent rolling blackouts as the state's power grid faces high demand and low wind power generation. If necessary, power outages would be controlled by individual electric utilities and could last for a few hours. ERCOT has asked Texans to conserve energy during peak hours and is calling on large power users to reduce consumption. The state has broken its power demand record multiple times this summer due to economic growth and extreme heat. Rolling outages have not been implemented since the devastating winter storm in February 2021.

energy2 years ago

ERCOT's Plea for Power Conservation Deemed "Ridiculous" by Energy Expert

Energy expert Doug Lewin criticizes ERCOT's repeated requests for Texans to conserve energy, calling it "ridiculous" and suggesting the need for a Residential Demand Response Program instead. Lewin argues that voluntary incentives and automated thermostats could be used to reduce demand during peak times, providing comfort to residents while also addressing grid reliability issues. He emphasizes the importance of improving the grid's resilience for both summer and winter seasons, as ERCOT continues to set new peak demand records. Lewin questions the effectiveness of conservation calls and highlights the need for alternative solutions.

energy2 years ago

"Texas Power Grid Battles Historic Heat Wave, Struggling to Meet Soaring Demand"

The Texas power grid is facing significant challenges due to a brutal heat wave, with record-breaking demand for electricity and strain on utilities and power lines. The grid was built for past weather conditions and needs to be prepared for more frequent and intense heat waves. While there is political pushback against renewable energy, it has proven to be reliable and beneficial during heat waves. Financial incentives can encourage people to reduce their electricity demand, which helps balance the grid. Investment in grid infrastructure is necessary to support the future growth of electric vehicles and decarbonization efforts, creating jobs and a cleaner, more robust grid.

energy2 years ago

Heat wave scorches Southern US as solar power shines

As Texas experiences a punishing heat wave, solar power has proven its worth by providing nearly 20% of the state's power needs on Tuesday, helping to avoid shortfalls in electricity supply. The increase in solar power generation in recent years has been credited with meeting the growing demand for electricity in Texas, which operates its grid independently. However, solar power has its limitations, as it cannot produce power 24/7. To address this, batteries and natural gas plants are used during critical hours when solar power production drops. Experts predict that Texas will add more large-scale solar power infrastructure in the coming years, potentially challenging California as the nation's top solar producer.