HOUSTON – ERCOT has requested that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality not fine power providers for polluting or exceeding their air permits during the arctic blast.
ERCOT is taking action to ensure the grid has sufficient power.
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“ERCOT anticipates high system demand beginning Sunday, January 14, 2024 due to extremely cold temperatures across the ERCOT Region. To ensure as much generation as possible is available to serve system demand, ERCOT has requested that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) exercise its enforcement discretion with respect to generator exceedances of TCEQ air permit limitations. TCEQ has communicated to ERCOT that it will use its enforcement discretion in evaluating generation facility exceedances of emission and operational permit limits to maximize generation availability. Unless TCEQ provides notice otherwise, TCEQ’s enforcement discretion will apply beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024 and ending at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024,” ERCOT said.
One company has already notified the TCEQ that it will release several gasses during the hard freeze.
INEOS USA LLC will emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, Ethylene and other substances. The company said it is working to minimize emissions.
An arctic blast has already started moving into Texas. A winter weather advisory was issued for Southeast Texas from Sunday through Monday. People can expect freezing rain and sleet. The temperatures will also be below freezing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- READ MORE: Winter weather advisory issued for Houston