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The biggest threats to Texas power grid: Cold weather, shortage of renewables, unpreparedness

Transmission towers near the CenterPoint Energy facility on December 22, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott and state officials have begun warning residents to prepare for subfreezing temperatures as a cold front looms over the state of Texas. ERCOT (The Electric Reliability Council of Texas) and the Public Utility Council have assured residents that the power grid will remain stable amidst freezing conditions. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) (Brandon Bell, 2022 Getty Images)

HOUSTON – As Texas prepares for potential cold weather this winter, experts are highlighting the state’s progress in renewable energy and identifying areas where challenges remain.

Doug Lewin, host of the Energy Capital Podcast, shared insights on how solar panels, battery storage, and natural gas supply impact grid reliability during extreme weather events.

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Game changers for Texas power grid

Texas has significantly increased its capacity for renewable energy, particularly in solar power and battery storage since the deadly winter storm in 2021.

“We have five to six times as much solar now as we did a few years ago,” Lewin said. “This is one reason why, even if we faced outages, they wouldn’t last as long as they once did.”

Battery storage has also seen a dramatic increase. According to Lewin, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) now manages over 10,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity. These advancements allow renewable energy to play a larger role in meeting demand during extreme weather events, reducing the likelihood of prolonged outages.

Weather that strains the power grid

ERCOT and energy experts remain vigilant about weather patterns that can strain the grid. Extreme cold can lead to exponential increases in demand due to the inefficiency of resistance heating systems, which are used in 30-40% of Texas homes.

“When temperatures drop significantly, energy demand spikes,” Lewin explained. “This is due to millions of homes using inefficient heating systems simultaneously.”

ERCOT is particularly concerned about scenarios where demand exceeds 90,000 megawatts, a level that could challenge grid reliability.

Texas’ natural gas supply remains vulnerable

Despite improvements in renewable energy, the state’s natural gas supply remains a critical vulnerability. Lewin noted that during previous winter storms, gas production in the Permian Basin dropped by 20-40%, limiting the availability of fuel for gas-powered plants.

“Building new gas plants doesn’t solve the problem if there’s no gas to fuel them,” said Lewin. “Natural gas supply continues to be an Achilles’ heel for our system.”

How can Texas stay prepared

Lewin emphasized the importance of both individual and systemic preparedness. He recommended Texans follow the “four P’s” of winter readiness: protecting people, pets, pipes, and plants. On a broader scale, he urged policymakers to focus on reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.

“ERCOT is in a better position than it was a few years ago,” Lewin said. “But there’s still much work to be done to reduce the probability of outages.”

As Texas enters the colder months, Lewin advised residents to stay informed and prepare for sudden changes in weather. While current forecasts do not indicate a crisis, he underscored the importance of readiness.

“Prepare now, but don’t panic,” Lewin said. “The most likely scenarios are manageable, but it’s always wise to be ready for unexpected changes.”


About the Author
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Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.