12 votes

Why the Texas power grid is vulnerable to blackouts during winter storms and heat waves

3 comments

  1. [2]
    lakhs_24
    Link
    Climate change is causing more severe and extreme weather around the world. This is a fascinating piece about why Texas may be more vulnerable than other states based on its isolated, privatized...

    Climate change is causing more severe and extreme weather around the world. This is a fascinating piece about why Texas may be more vulnerable than other states based on its isolated, privatized power grid, and how it is set up to "constantly teeter on the edge of failure, one misstep away from a blackout." The article explains that although Texas avoids federal regulations since its grid does not cross state lines, it is unable to draw power from other states when unexpected events happen, nor can it provide its excess energy to others when it has a surplus. It mentions Texas' increasing use of renewable energy (wind, solar) but brings up the political and logistical obstacles obstructing further development.

    9 votes
    1. lou
      Link Parent
      Great summary. You're good at this.

      Great summary. You're good at this.

      4 votes
  2. skybrian
    Link
    They didn't get very technical in this interview, but I think one thing he's advocating for is a capacity market.

    They didn't get very technical in this interview, but I think one thing he's advocating for is a capacity market.

    1 vote