As winter approaches, energy experts are sharing a lingering concern that some of the issues that stressed the state’s power grid this summer and during the winter storm of 2021 could resurface.
Transmission bottlenecks were a problem in 2021 and again this summer. Natural gas and coal plants didn’t perform as expected two years ago or again this summer. And when the wind is calm and the sun doesn’t shine, Texas has a supply and demand imbalance that energy providers and managers concede that they have yet to figure out.
Advertisement
The problem is that emergency management seems to be the new normal, which isn’t confidence building or sustainable. At a recent briefing to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, questions arose about whether Texas has done enough to avert extreme weather emergencies. According to testimony from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, power system operators thought they had a bigger energy cushion than they had on Sept. 6 and were suddenly pressed into emergency procedures. PUC commissioners also questioned why power generated in the southern parts of Texas didn’t make it north and why coal and natural gas plants in the northern parts didn’t pick up the slack.
Advertisement
Since the historic statewide deep freeze in 2021, lawmakers have passed measures to subsidize companies to build more natural-gas fueled electricity plants that would operate when power reserves are low, and created a state-funded, low-interest loan program, pending voter approval, and bonuses to companies that bring new gas-powered electricity plants online faster.
Opinion Get smart opinions on the topics North Texans care about. Email Address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy SUBMIT
Texas isn’t getting smaller, but it has to become energy smarter. The state needs more power from all sources, including natural gas plants and renewable energy, to address population growth and extreme weather conditions. Texas generates more energy than any other state, but it also consumes the most, presenting both obstacles and opportunities. The addition of renewable energy to the Texas grid has kept prices from further soaring and added much needed capacity that got the state through most of the blistering hot summer. Population growth increases demand and strains the overall power system to an extent that can’t be fully resolved by adding resources.
In addition to a more robust mix of fossil fuels, renewables and other energy sources, Texas’ profound energy challenges will require a more efficient use of power. Battery storage, which incidentally helped keep the grid withstand the summer, has to improve and multiply, transmission lines must be added and new policies developed to incentivize consumers to conserve energy daily. The state’s market-based approach has worked but must be expanded to encourage efficiency, too.
Advertisement
Conservation, outside of moments of crisis, will reduce pressure on grid operators to repeatedly fall back on backup tools to avert rolling blackouts in the evening hours when Texans return home from work and use more power for household tasks such as preparing dinner and doing laundry.
Emergency management should be a final resort. Unless we change our ways, it will continue to be business as usual.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com