INSIDER
If you see CenterPoint Energy in your neighborhood—you may lose power
Read full article: If you see CenterPoint Energy in your neighborhood—you may lose powerAs if CenterPoint Energy hasn’t caused enough frustration across the Houston area, KPRC 2 viewers have reached out to us, saying they were told by the energy company that they may lose power—again.
ERCOT Chairman Paul Foster stepping down from Board of Directors
Read full article: ERCOT Chairman Paul Foster stepping down from Board of DirectorsThe announcement was made Tuesday in a brief social media post describing Foster's work as "integral to ERCOT and to the electric power industry in Texas."
Could Texas face rolling blackouts in August? ERCOT says there’s a 12% chance
Read full article: Could Texas face rolling blackouts in August? ERCOT says there’s a 12% chanceTexas power grid stability in August is a growing concern. ERCOT's latest report highlights the risk of controlled outages during peak demand periods. Low wind production adds to the challenges. #TexasPowerGrid #EnergyAlerts #ConservationMatters
Waves generating electricity: Could the renewable technology reach the Gulf Coast?
Read full article: Waves generating electricity: Could the renewable technology reach the Gulf Coast?Renewable energy is becoming a major player in powering cities like Houston. Renewable energy help cut down on greenhouse emissions and add to power to the grid.
Will solar eclipse impact Texas power grid? Here’s how ERCOT is preparing
Read full article: Will solar eclipse impact Texas power grid? Here’s how ERCOT is preparingAs the solar eclipse approaches, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas is gearing up with strategic planning and tools to maintain Texas’ power grid balance.
Lubbock residents have long dreamed of cheaper electricity. Will Texas’ open market deliver?
Read full article: Lubbock residents have long dreamed of cheaper electricity. Will Texas’ open market deliver?Years in the making, the transition from a municipal electric company to an open market has left some residents unsure.
ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity use on Monday morning
Read full article: ERCOT asks Texans to conserve electricity use on Monday morningThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) are asking Texans to conserve electricity usage Monday morning.
ERCOT requests for TCEQ to not fine power providers for pollution during arctic blast
Read full article: ERCOT requests for TCEQ to not fine power providers for pollution during arctic blastERCOT has requested that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality not fine power providers for polluting or exceeding their air permits during the arctic blast.
Here is the latest update on the ERCOT grid conditions expected during the hard freeze
Read full article: Here is the latest update on the ERCOT grid conditions expected during the hard freezeThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a weather watch from Jan. 14- 17 due to the hard freeze that will impact the state.
ERCOT power forecast: What’s predicted for the grid during the winter freeze
Read full article: ERCOT power forecast: What’s predicted for the grid during the winter freezeAs we get closer to the freezing weather in Texas, ERCOT provides a 6-day forecast for its grid capacity. Here's what ERCOT is expecting for supply and demand during the cold snap.
City of Houston issues winter weather alert ahead of next week’s hard freeze: See list of warming centers
Read full article: City of Houston issues winter weather alert ahead of next week’s hard freeze: See list of warming centersThe City of Houston has issued a weather alert ahead of next week’s cold front and expected hard freeze.
Track the Texas power grid: Here’s how to monitor ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-time
Read full article: Track the Texas power grid: Here’s how to monitor ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-timeThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s main power grid, has a dashboard that allows residents to track current conditions and usage. The timestamp of each dashboard indicates when the information was last updated, according to ERCOT’s website.
This is when ERCOT predicts we could see rolling blackouts
Read full article: This is when ERCOT predicts we could see rolling blackoutsThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has released a forecast for January 2024 and it explains when the power grid has the highest chances of requiring conservations, and even rolling blackouts.
ERCOT issues Weather Watch ahead of extreme cold weather in SE Texas
Read full article: ERCOT issues Weather Watch ahead of extreme cold weather in SE TexasThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a Weather Watch from Jan. 15-17 due to forecasted extreme cold weather across Southeast Texas, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves.
Below-freezing temps likely as coldest weather of the season expected next week in SE Texas: What to know🧊
Read full article: Below-freezing temps likely as coldest weather of the season expected next week in SE Texas: What to know🧊There is increasing concern for a hard freeze across Southeast Texas that will possibly happen next Monday night into Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service announced. There is also the potential for another hard freeze Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
ERCOT cancels request for additional capacity, expects to be prepared for extreme weather this winter
Read full article: ERCOT cancels request for additional capacity, expects to be prepared for extreme weather this winterThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has canceled a request to increase operating reserves this winter as it expected to be prepared for extreme weather.
ERCOT updates minimum operating reserves for emergency conditions ahead of winter months
Read full article: ERCOT updates minimum operating reserves for emergency conditions ahead of winter monthsThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced Tuesday an update to the emergency operations reserve levels ahead of the winter months.
ERCOT seeks to increase operating reserves in preparation for winter
Read full article: ERCOT seeks to increase operating reserves in preparation for winterAs part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ approach to grid operations, a request was issued to stakeholders Monday to increase operating reserves, a news release said.
What prompted Wednesday’s energy emergency? Here’s what ERCOT is saying
Read full article: What prompted Wednesday’s energy emergency? Here’s what ERCOT is sayingThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) instituted an Energy Emergency Alert on Wednesday but avoided calling for controlled outages to keep the grid in balance.
ERCOT paid Bitcoin miner Riot $31.7M to limit energy consumption during heat wave in August
Read full article: ERCOT paid Bitcoin miner Riot $31.7M to limit energy consumption during heat wave in AugustRiot Platforms is losing so much money that it’s counting on energy credits from selling power back to the Texas grid to keep its costs under control, reports said.
ERCOT requests conservation from businesses, residents Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Read full article: ERCOT requests conservation from businesses, residents Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, Thursday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
ERCOT says Wednesday’s entrance into emergency operations caused by drop in operating reserves, frequency
Read full article: ERCOT says Wednesday’s entrance into emergency operations caused by drop in operating reserves, frequencyThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has asked Houston residents and businesses to conserve electricity due to continued high temperatures, high demand, low wind and declining solar power generation Wednesday evening.
How ERCOT is narrowly getting through an extreme summer — and how experts say it could do better
Read full article: How ERCOT is narrowly getting through an extreme summer — and how experts say it could do betterRecord-high power demand and faltering electricity sources have tested the grid in the past month, forcing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to dig deep into its toolbox to keep power flowing.
ERCOT requests conservation from businesses, residents on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., expects tight grid conditions
Read full article: ERCOT requests conservation from businesses, residents on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., expects tight grid conditionsDue to a high level of unexpected electricity outages and forecasted low wind generation, operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low in the afternoon and evening, a news release said.
ERCOT issues call to conserve electricity usage; warns of potential to enter emergency operations
Read full article: ERCOT issues call to conserve electricity usage; warns of potential to enter emergency operationsThe agency said the call is due to low wind and potential low solar generation and high demand. They said operating reserves for ERCOT are expected to be low in the afternoon and evening.
ERCOT issues call to voluntarily conserve electricity usage to avoid possibility of controlled outages
Read full article: ERCOT issues call to voluntarily conserve electricity usage to avoid possibility of controlled outagesThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice to customers.
Texans asked to reduce energy use again as ongoing heat wave strains power grid
Read full article: Texans asked to reduce energy use again as ongoing heat wave strains power gridThe latest conservation request from ERCOT — the third in the past week — sought to reduce power demand from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday.
ERCOT issues call to voluntarily conserve electricity usage Sunday
Read full article: ERCOT issues call to voluntarily conserve electricity usage SundayERCOT is calling on Texans to voluntarily conserve electricity usage due to extreme temperatures, continued high demand, and unexpected loss of thermal generation.
ERCOT issues ‘weather watch’ due to forecasted high temperatures, anticipated higher electrical demand
Read full article: ERCOT issues ‘weather watch’ due to forecasted high temperatures, anticipated higher electrical demandERCOT’s weather watch does not indicate the state will see widespread outages or that ERCOT will call for energy conservation.
ERCOT issues weather watch due to extreme temperatures, higher electrical demand
Read full article: ERCOT issues weather watch due to extreme temperatures, higher electrical demandThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a weather watch due to extreme temperatures Friday and forecasted record demand.
ERCOT can’t be sued over power grid failures during 2021 winter storm, Texas Supreme Court rules
Read full article: ERCOT can’t be sued over power grid failures during 2021 winter storm, Texas Supreme Court rulesThe all-Republican court narrowly found that the nonprofit corporation operating the state’s electrical grid qualifies for sovereign immunity, which protects government entities from lawsuits.
Texas called for energy conservation Tuesday as extreme heat spiked electricity demand
Read full article: Texas called for energy conservation Tuesday as extreme heat spiked electricity demandTexans were asked to conserve energy from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday as temperatures climb over 100 degrees for much of the state.
ERCOT issues ‘Weather Watch’ ahead of Texas heat wave; Track real-time grid conditions here
Read full article: ERCOT issues ‘Weather Watch’ ahead of Texas heat wave; Track real-time grid conditions hereERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from June 15 – June 21 due to forecasted higher temperatures and higher electrical demand.So far, grid conditions appeared normal during this Weather Watch.
Abbott appointee resigns as chair of power grid regulator
Read full article: Abbott appointee resigns as chair of power grid regulatorPublic Utility Commission chair Peter Lake had spearheaded a plan to help the state’s power grid withstand weather disasters, but the plan lacked support in the Texas Legislature.
ERCOT creates notification system, website to give up-to-date information about Texas power grid: This is how to sign up
Read full article: ERCOT creates notification system, website to give up-to-date information about Texas power grid: This is how to sign upThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas is holding a news conference on Wednesday to announce its new campaign to provide reliable information to Texans about the power grid.
Addressing Texas’ power grid concerns
Read full article: Addressing Texas’ power grid concernsOn Wednesday, officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, shared a seasonal assessment that shows extreme temperatures over the summer may put the state in an energy crunch. These worries stem from what officials with the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and ERCOT said is Texas’ failure to keep up with population growth in terms of the grid.
ERCOT says power grid is prepared for summer but encourages change as Texas population increases
Read full article: ERCOT says power grid is prepared for summer but encourages change as Texas population increasesThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Public Utility Commission of Texas are holding a press conference on Wednesday in Austin to update Texans on the status of the grid ahead of the upcoming summer.
How freezing rain, tree-lined neighborhoods and above-ground power lines prolonged Austin power outages
Read full article: How freezing rain, tree-lined neighborhoods and above-ground power lines prolonged Austin power outagesTens of thousands of Austin households and businesses went days without electricity after a winter storm wreaked havoc across Texas.
Chainsaws and dry socks: Austinites step up for neighbors during ice storm
Read full article: Chainsaws and dry socks: Austinites step up for neighbors during ice stormFriends in North Austin removed downed trees from neighbors’ roofs, while closer to the city core, volunteers rushed to meet the immediate needs of people without homes — those most severely impacted by the freezing temperatures.
ERCOT gets federal permission to exceed air quality limits, noting possible risk of blackout amid freezing weather in Texas
Read full article: ERCOT gets federal permission to exceed air quality limits, noting possible risk of blackout amid freezing weather in TexasThe Electric Reliability Council of of Texas (ERCOT) requested an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy on Friday to bypass certain emission standards for power plants due to the impact of extreme cold weather in Texas.
All ERCOT transmission service providers have declared ‘readiness’, according to the Public Utility Commission
Read full article: All ERCOT transmission service providers have declared ‘readiness’, according to the Public Utility CommissionBright and early Tuesday morning, the Public Utility Commission of Texas delivered a measure of good news concerning the Texas Power Grid.
Track the Texas power grid: Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-time
Read full article: Track the Texas power grid: Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-timeThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s main power grid, has a dashboard that allows residents to track current conditions and usage. The timestamp of each dashboard indicates when the information was last updated, according to ERCOT’s website.
ERCOT to provide new fuel mix dashboard, displaying real-time energy generation usage
Read full article: ERCOT to provide new fuel mix dashboard, displaying real-time energy generation usageERCOT announced Thursday that as part of its ongoing commitment to communicating reliable information on grid conditions for Texans, the new Fuel Mix dashboard will provide a real-time view of its energy generation by resource type.
ERCOT, PUCT discuss grid reliability ahead of the winter season
Read full article: ERCOT, PUCT discuss grid reliability ahead of the winter seasonPublic Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Peter Lake and ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas held a press conference Tuesday to update Texans on grid reliability and readiness for winter 2022-2023.
State agency proposes changes to power market aimed at averting mass blackouts
Read full article: State agency proposes changes to power market aimed at averting mass blackoutsThe proposal is aimed at making sure power providers and electricity generators have enough power on hand in case of increased demand. But it’s not clear how it would hold up in unexpected weather, an expert said.
Gov. Greg Abbott touts Texas power grid’s readiness heading into fall, election season
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott touts Texas power grid’s readiness heading into fall, election seasonThe governor shared the favorable forecast — which is normal for the fall months — ahead of a competitive race in which the grid’s performance during last year’s fatal winter storm may factor into Texans’ decisions at the polls.
After ‘exhaustive nationwide search,’ ERCOT selects new CEO to lead Texas power grid company
Read full article: After ‘exhaustive nationwide search,’ ERCOT selects new CEO to lead Texas power grid companyThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas Board of Directors announced Tuesday the selection of Pablo Vegas to serve as the President and CEO for the Texas grid operator. Vegas will join ERCOT on October 1.
How to know the difference between a local power outage and rolling blackouts
Read full article: How to know the difference between a local power outage and rolling blackoutsPower outages are a possibility during any severe weather event. But a local power outage is different from a larger power grid problem.
TribCast: Are there signs of life for Beto O’Rourke’s campaign?
Read full article: TribCast: Are there signs of life for Beto O’Rourke’s campaign?In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell and Patrick about the power grid, the race for governor and the extra money the Texas Legislature will have on hand to spend next year.
ERCOT asks residents to conserve electricity Wednesday amid extreme hot weather
Read full article: ERCOT asks residents to conserve electricity Wednesday amid extreme hot weatherERCOT is once again asking Texans to conserve electricity this week as hot weather continues driving record power demands across the state.
Fort Bend County judge, officials address ERCOT’S request to conserve electricity, put plan in place
Read full article: Fort Bend County judge, officials address ERCOT’S request to conserve electricity, put plan in placeFort Bend County Judge KP George, along with Fort Bend County officials, held a news conference Monday to address Fort Bend County residents on the Electric Reliability Council Of Texas’ request for consumers to conserve energy.
Tracking the Texas power grid - Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-time
Read full article: Tracking the Texas power grid - Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-timeThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s main power grid, has a dashboard that allows residents to track current conditions and usage.
Texas power grid hits new demand record amid extreme hot weather
Read full article: Texas power grid hits new demand record amid extreme hot weatherA new unofficial all-time peak demand record for the Texas power grid was hit Monday after officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a Conservation Appeal.
KPRC 2 Investigates: Can the power grid handle the summer heat?
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates: Can the power grid handle the summer heat?Can the state's electricity grid handle all of the electricity usage during these hot summer months? Find out the scenarios that could bring rolling blackouts to your neighborhood - Plus, the role solar energy plays in all of this.
Power demand spikes during June heat wave; ERCOT says electricity supply will meet demand
Read full article: Power demand spikes during June heat wave; ERCOT says electricity supply will meet demandEROCT said the power demand surpassed 74. 9 GW on Sunday, breaking the previous record of 74. 8 GW in August 2019.
‘Lights will stay on’: ERCOT, PUC confident in Texas power grid during 2022 summer season
Read full article: ‘Lights will stay on’: ERCOT, PUC confident in Texas power grid during 2022 summer seasonOfficials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Public Utility Commission will hold a press conference to discuss the readiness of the Texas power grid for the 2022 summer season, according to a release.
ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power during peak hours through the weekend
Read full article: ERCOT asks Texans to conserve power during peak hours through the weekendOn Friday afternoon, ERCOT asked Texans to conserve power by setting their thermostats at 78-degrees or above and avoiding the usage of large appliances during peak hours this weekend.
Nearly 100 firefighters battle blaze at power plant in Fort Bend County, officials say
Read full article: Nearly 100 firefighters battle blaze at power plant in Fort Bend County, officials sayNearly 100 firefighters from 0ver 20 different fire departments were working to put out a fire at a power plant that started in Fort Bend County Monday, officials said.
ERCOT asks power plants to possibly cancel planned maintenance to meet demand of extreme heat anticipated this weekend
Read full article: ERCOT asks power plants to possibly cancel planned maintenance to meet demand of extreme heat anticipated this weekendERCOT has issued an Advanced Action Notice Tuesday for Texas power plants to prepare for higher than usual customer demand due to the high temperatures forecasted for Mother’s Day weekend.
Analysis: Whatever the campaigns say, the Texas electric grid isn’t fixed yet
Read full article: Analysis: Whatever the campaigns say, the Texas electric grid isn’t fixed yetAfter 2021’s winter storm electric blackouts, Texas lawmakers worked to shore up the state’s electric grid. But they’re not finished, despite what you might hear from campaigning politicians.
TribCast: The Texas power grid fares better in 2022’s winter storm
Read full article: TribCast: The Texas power grid fares better in 2022’s winter stormIn this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell and James about how Texas held up during the wintry weather, plus the struggles of the National Guard during their border deployment.
Gov. Abbott says Texas power grid is performing well during winter storm, will continue to meet demand
Read full article: Gov. Abbott says Texas power grid is performing well during winter storm, will continue to meet demandGov. Greg Abbott held a press conference Friday morning to give an update on the artic cold front that has impacted Texas.
Tracking the Texas power grid: Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-time
Read full article: Tracking the Texas power grid: Watch ERCOT’s current grid conditions in real-timeThe Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s main power grid, has a dashboard which allows residents to track current conditions and usage.
‘Significant icing event’: Gov. Abbott addresses severe winter weather, power grid concerns
Read full article: ‘Significant icing event’: Gov. Abbott addresses severe winter weather, power grid concernsAs a strong artic cold front moves across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference Thursday, providing an update on the severe winter weather.
ERCOT issues watch for extreme cold weather, possible icing conditions for Texas area
Read full article: ERCOT issues watch for extreme cold weather, possible icing conditions for Texas areaA watch has been issued for the Texas area for an extreme cold weather event with possible icing conditions as an arctic cold front blasts through Wednesday night, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
What’s being done to keep the lights on this winter?
Read full article: What’s being done to keep the lights on this winter?Ten months ago, millions of homes and businesses were plunged into darkness and more than 100 Texans lost their lives when our power grid failed at the height of a historic winter storm.
Officials say substantial improvements have been made to Texas’ power grid ahead of winter weather
Read full article: Officials say substantial improvements have been made to Texas’ power grid ahead of winter weatherTexans will not lose power if another winter storm strikes, like the one that crippled the state’s power grid last February, according to the chairman of Texas Public Utility Commission Peter Lake.
TribCast: Texas braces for the next winter storm and a new COVID-19 variant
Read full article: TribCast: Texas braces for the next winter storm and a new COVID-19 variantIn this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell, James and Karen about the status of the power grid and the pandemic heading into winter.
Analysis: Betting a Texas election on a weather forecast
Read full article: Analysis: Betting a Texas election on a weather forecastGov. Greg Abbott says he can "guarantee" there won't be blackouts this winter in Texas after one that knocked out power for some people for four days last February. That's the kind of pre-election prediction that can make a weather forecaster more useful than a political poll.
December deadline approaching for Texas Power Plants to provide winter preparation plans
Read full article: December deadline approaching for Texas Power Plants to provide winter preparation plansAfter the winter storm emergency that killed more than 200 people in February, power companies are facing a December deadline to submit plans for this upcoming winter.
Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe winter weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT estimates show
Read full article: Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe winter weather, even with new preparations, ERCOT estimates showThe most severe scenario considered by ERCOT for this winter — very high demand for power, extensive fossil fuel outages, and low renewable power production — does not capture the amount of power lost during February.
Looking for Power? Look up!
Read full article: Looking for Power? Look up!I had a quick conversation with my neighbor yesterday about solar panels as he is considering installing some on his roof. This is a pretty typical discussion when we have these long stretches of blue sky, especially after last February’s ERCOT disaster. We don’t talk much about putting in a wind turbine, yet coincidentally Climate Central sent down a fascinating look at just how much power both the sun and the wind can generate. I have graphics! Given today’s sunshine and what we are expecting over the weekend, here is how much power the good ole sun would generate:
Texans, how do we feel? Tesla files to become state’s electricity provider
Read full article: Texans, how do we feel? Tesla files to become state’s electricity providerTexans, do you think this is a good idea? Apparently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has filed a new subsidiary, called Tesla Energy Ventures, with the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Gov. Abbott appoints CEO of Buc-ee’s to ERCOT Board Selection Committe
Read full article: Gov. Abbott appoints CEO of Buc-ee’s to ERCOT Board Selection CommitteGov. Greg Abbott appoints Arch “Beaver” Aplin, president and CEO of Buc-ee’s, to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Board Selection Committee for a term.