Texas Is Running Out Of Power

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The Texas power supply is inadequate, which is odd given that the state is often considered the energy capital of America. “Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his state will need to grow its power supply capacity by as much as 15% annually to keep up with rising demand from homes and businesses.” according to Bloomberg. Where will that energy come from?

More financing of fossil fuels

ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, manages the delivery of electricity to about 25 million people in Texas, translating into over 90% of the state’s entire electrical load. ERCOT is constantly pressing the Texas government for money in the form of rate hikes to address inadequate infrastructure. The inadequacy of the Texas electricity supply system has been obvious in both hot and cold weather.

ERCOT management asked the state regulators to create up to an additional 3,000 MW for the winter 2023-2024 peak load season. ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas said, “ERCOT is not projecting energy emergency conditions this winter season, but we want to be prepared and ensure all available tools are readily available if needed.” In reality, he can’t say whether the capacity is necessary since his organization has not produced accurate forecasts in the past.

The weather so far this winter in Texas has been relatively mild. However, as is the case in most of the nation, wild temperature swings are no longer uncommon. For example, it was just above freezing at night on February 12. The temperature is expected to rise to 55 degrees F in eight days.

The pressing concern about the Texas grid is part of a much wider anxiety across the US. How can any area of the country plan for energy use when the weather routinely could be 20 degrees above or below average, and these fluctuations have been and will continue to be, hard to forecast?