A “doom-loop” resulted for power plants unable to procure supply ( Chart 1). In the process, electricity was also unknowingly disrupted to many natural gas production and processing facilities, which had already struggled to operate in cold temperatures. Power generation was unable to match record demand, forcing the state’s grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), to order power cut to millions of customers to maintain grid stability. Wind speeds fell to extremely low levels, and many of the few wind turbines producing power froze. Multiple natural gas and coal power plants experienced equipment failures and were forced offline. The deep freeze two years ago brought single-digit and subzero temperatures across most of Texas along with ice and snow. However, improved enforcement of weatherization standards, incentives for thermal power plant development and enhanced demand-response programs would help ensure the power grid stands up to future demand growth and the challenges of extreme weather. Taken together, the Texas grid is in better shape than it was during the 2021 deep freeze. With intermittent sources of renewable power becoming a large and growing presence in the energy mix, thermal power reliability is crucial. However, power plants and natural gas facilities still failed in the below-freezing temperatures. New regulations, weatherization standards and operational changes have addressed many shortcomings, but some critical gaps persist.Ī cold snap in the days surrounding Christmas 2022 did not result in rolling blackouts or worse, as was the case in February 2021. Nearly two years later, questions remain whether the electrical grid is now more resilient to winter weather. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin.The Texas deep freeze in February 2021 exposed the inability of the state’s energy supply chain to withstand extremely cold temperatures. "We will have staff available to meet that challenge." "Texas is open 24/7 and staff has to be available and will be available 24/7, whatever challenges may arise," Abbott said. "I think trust will be earned over the next few days as people see that we have ultra-cold temperatures and the grid is available to perform with ease."Ībbott also said that the state is working with local officials who plan to established so-called warming centers for people experiencing homelessness or whose homes might lose power because of downed lines caused by falling tree limbs.Īlso, he said, emergency workers and first responders at every level of government are expected to be on duty or on call through the storm and even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. "Trust has to be earned, and we earned that trust and part by going through this past summer with 11 new all-time records for power demand and being able to meet that power demand with ease," he said. Reserves of natural gas, which powers more electric plants than any other fuel source, are being brought in, he said.Īsked if Texans can trust the optimistic assessment of the grid's reliability given the failure that claimed the lives of as many as 700 people, Abbott said yes. Pablo Vegas, president of the grid-managing Electric Reliability Council of Texas, said as many as 200 power plants have been inspected for proper weatherization and that all of the fuel supplies - natural gas, coal, nuclear wind and solar - are expected to be available. And maybe up to minus 30 in the Panhandle. Minus 10 degrees is the wind chill in the Dallas Fort Worth area (that) is expected. The temperatures will be extremely cold and the winds will be high, which will generate some very dangerous wind chills," said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency management. "This is a dangerous storm coming our way. That means solar power plants will be up and running and roadways will be passable, even as outdoor activity is inadvisable. The bright spot - literally and figuratively - Abbott said, is that no rain, sleet, snow or even cloud cover is expected in much of the state. More: Flight cancellations expected to mount as winter storm moves across the Plains and Midwest The front is expected to barrel into Texas from the North on Thursday and keep temperatures and wind chills well below freezing across much of the state into the Christmas weekend. The remark came after Abbott presided over an extended closed-door meeting with state agency officials who will be tasked with managing the fallout of what is forecast to be a nationwide deep freeze.
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