Texas power grid at risk again this winter: watchdog
2 years, 1 month ago

Texas power grid at risk again this winter: watchdog

Raw Story  

At least 246 Texans died when the power grid the state depended on failed after being battered by three February 2021 winter storms. That Texas grid and the Texans who count on it for heat and light, are in for another rough, wild winter according to a trusted energy watchdog that warned of those 2021 dangers. "A large portion of North America is at risk of insufficient supplies during the extreme winter scenarios.” Hirst gave said that the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator which provides energy in the Midwest and ISO New England all face elevated winter reliability risks, The online journal, Utility Dive, covered the conference where dangers posed by New England's storage tanks at oil-fired power plants that are currently "only about 40% full, down from 54% last winter." Hirst said red states of the Southwest should have an easy winter due to clean, renewable power sources including increased wind energy, Utility Dive reported.

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History of this topic

Deadly heat wave in the central US strains infrastructure, transportation and the Texas power grid
1 year, 4 months ago

Deadly heat wave in the central US strains infrastructure, transportation and the Texas power grid

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Deadly heat that has gripped Texas for much of the summer has spread into other parts of the central U.S. this week where it is forecast to stay for days, with triple-digit temperatures buckling roads, straining water systems and threatening the power grid of the nation’s energy capitol. The heat is expected to become “dangerous to the …

A blistering heat wave is turning up the pressure on Texas’ power grid
1 year, 5 months ago

A blistering heat wave is turning up the pressure on Texas’ power grid

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — On another 100-degree day in Texas, Sean Whitaker lingered outside a Dallas cafe after polishing off an iced coffee, having switched off the power to everything back home except his refrigerator. As an unrelenting heat wave grips Texas for a second week, public appeals to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities have come with another ask of …

Sweltering heat tests Texas’ power grid and patience as thousands in South still without electricity
1 year, 6 months ago

Sweltering heat tests Texas’ power grid and patience as thousands in South still without electricity

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ power grid operator asked residents Tuesday to voluntarily cut back on electricity due to anticipated record demand on the system as a heat wave kept large swaths of the state and southern U.S. in triple-digit temperatures. “The delay in restoring power has caused significant hardship for their customers and it is unacceptable,” said Brent Bailey, a …

Facing heat wave, Texas’ power grid operator asks customers to cut electricity use
1 year, 6 months ago

Facing heat wave, Texas’ power grid operator asks customers to cut electricity use

LA Times  

A man takes advantage of the shade Tuesday in a playground in the Hungry Hill neighborhood of Austin, Texas. Sweltering heat across the South came amid outages caused by weekend storms and tornadoes, and threatened to overload Texas’ power grid. Texas’ power grid operator asked residents Tuesday to voluntarily cut back on electricity due to anticipated record demand on the …

Winter chill brings power outages and travel issues to US south
1 year, 10 months ago

Winter chill brings power outages and travel issues to US south

Al Jazeera  

Winter weather has resulted in at least two deaths in the state of Texas and more than 1,600 flight cancellations. “Please, STAY HOME AND OFF THE ROADS, give space heaters plenty of space, never use your oven to stay warm, and keep generators outside.” Since midnight, we've responded to 90+ accidents, including 3 w/our own units! Please, STAY HOME AND …

Texans told to conserve energy as six power plants go offline amid heatwave
2 years, 7 months ago

Texans told to conserve energy as six power plants go offline amid heatwave

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The operator of the main power grid for the state of Texas has asked residents …

Huge US winter storm leaves more than 330,000 without power
2 years, 10 months ago

Huge US winter storm leaves more than 330,000 without power

Al Jazeera  

The storm brought snow and freezing rain to states that rarely see it, caused road crashes and disrupted air travel. A winter storm that dumped sleet and heavy snow on a wide swath of the central United States this week has left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power. More than 330,000 customers were without power from Texas, …

Texas electricity prices spike with cold front set to test grid
2 years, 10 months ago

Texas electricity prices spike with cold front set to test grid

Al Jazeera  

Demand on the grid operated by Texas’s Electric Reliability Council is forecast to peak at 71,806 megawatts on February 4. Texas electricity prices surged to more than $1,000 a megawatt-hour for Friday when demand is forecast to hit a winter record in the biggest test since extreme cold and blackouts killed hundreds almost a year ago. A massive storm set …

Analysis: Texas’ electric grid is half-ready for another winter freeze
3 years ago

Analysis: Texas’ electric grid is half-ready for another winter freeze

Raw Story  

You never hear politicians promise that hurricanes and tornadoes won’t hurt you, that you won’t get wet when it rains, that protracted heat waves won’t endanger anyone or that urban fires are no threat during droughts. But after the storm that left Texans across the state freezing in the dark last February, the state’s leaders are promising now that the …

New Texas rules after blackout, but not for this winter
3 years ago

New Texas rules after blackout, but not for this winter

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Regulators of Texas’ oil and gas industry that buckled during February’s deadly freeze moved Tuesday toward making some producers more prepared for cold weather, but not in time for this winter as the nation’s power grid monitor warned the state is still at risk of blackouts. “It is not simply a get-out-of-jail-free card,” said Matt Garner, an …

Report: Texas still at risk of winter power blackouts
3 years, 1 month ago

Report: Texas still at risk of winter power blackouts

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is still at risk of power blackouts this winter in the event of extreme weather like the catastrophic February storm that buckled the state’s electrical grid and left millions of people without heat for days, the nation’s grid monitor said Thursday. “The concern is certainly sufficient,” said John Moura, director of reliability assessment at the North …

Texas power grid manager issues weeklong conservation alert
3 years, 6 months ago

Texas power grid manager issues weeklong conservation alert

Associated Press  

DALLAS — On the cusp of summer, the electric power grid manager for most of Texas on Monday issued its second conservation alert since the deadly February blackout, calling on users to dial back energy consumption through Friday to avert an emergency. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said many forced generation outages and record June demand has squeezed the …

Texas governor says power grid fixed; experts cite problems
3 years, 6 months ago

Texas governor says power grid fixed; experts cite problems

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Despite experts who say Texas’ power grid remains vulnerable, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott declared Tuesday that new reforms “fix all of the flaws” that caused February’s deadly winter blackout that left more than 4 million people without power in subfreezing weather. He went on to add, “Bottom line is that everything that needed to be done was …

Despite normal spring, Texas electric grid seeks power boost
3 years, 8 months ago

Despite normal spring, Texas electric grid seeks power boost

Associated Press  

DALLAS — The electric grid manager for most of Texas issued an electricity conservation watch Tuesday, appealing to customers to conserve electricity despite weather conditions typical for spring. It blames “a combination of high generation outages typical in April and higher-than-forecasted demand from a stalled cold front over Texas,” in a statement Tuesday by Woody Rickerson, vice president of grid …

Reforms to Texas’ energy grid begin moving after blackout
3 years, 8 months ago

Reforms to Texas’ energy grid begin moving after blackout

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ power grid that buckled during February’s deadly winter storm would operate under new oversight and require power plants to prepare for more extreme weather under overhauls that moved closer to Republican Gov. Six weeks after more than 100 people died in subfreezing weather in Texas, including many of hypothermia, both the GOP-controlled House and Senate have …

Texas death toll from February storm, outages surpasses 100
3 years, 8 months ago

Texas death toll from February storm, outages surpasses 100

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas officials on Thursday raised the death toll from February’s winter storm and blackouts to at least 111 people — nearly doubling the state’s initial tally following one of the worst power outages in U.S. history. And the dramatic number of new victims is still a potential undercount, as officials continue investigating deaths that happened around the …

It's Not Just Texas. The Entire Energy Grid Needs An Upgrade For Extreme Weather
3 years, 9 months ago

It's Not Just Texas. The Entire Energy Grid Needs An Upgrade For Extreme Weather

NPR  

It's Not Just Texas. The Entire Energy Grid Needs An Upgrade For Extreme Weather Enlarge this image toggle caption John Antczak/AP John Antczak/AP The Texas blackout is another reminder that more frequent, climate-driven extreme weather puts stress on the country's electricity grid. Sponsor Message "We planned this grid for Ozzie and Harriet weather and we are now facing Mad Max," …

Top Texas power officials to quit after millions endure freezing temperatures when grid failed
3 years, 10 months ago

Top Texas power officials to quit after millions endure freezing temperatures when grid failed

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Top power officials in …

Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis
3 years, 10 months ago

Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But standing in the emergency operations center early Monday, …

Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis
3 years, 10 months ago

Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis

Associated Press  

HOUSTON — Two days before the storm began, Houston’s chief elected official warned her constituents to prepare as they would for a major hurricane. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas’ power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. “What’s not manageable is to lose your power for days with a temperature in the …

The Texas freeze: Why the power grid failed
3 years, 10 months ago

The Texas freeze: Why the power grid failed

Live Mint  

A fundamental flaw in the freewheeling Texas electricity market left millions powerless and freezing in the dark this week during a historic cold snap. A severe storm paralyzed almost every energy source, from power plants to wind turbines, because their owners hadn’t made the investments needed to produce electricity in subfreezing temperatures. Another problem emerged: Some power plants lost their …

Texas’ electrical grid wasn’t prepared for the storm. Other states’ systems aren’t prepared either
3 years, 10 months ago

Texas’ electrical grid wasn’t prepared for the storm. Other states’ systems aren’t prepared either

CNN  

New York CNN Business — The blackouts that shut down most of Texas for much of this week could be coming to other parts of the country in the future. Climate change is unfortunately already having a dramatic effect on our weather,” Richard Glick, the new chairman of FERC, said at the agency’s monthly meeting Thursday. “The challenges that climate …

Power Outages, Water Shortages as Texas Shivers Amid Winter Storm
3 years, 10 months ago

Power Outages, Water Shortages as Texas Shivers Amid Winter Storm

News 18  

Millions of people were still without power on Wednesday in Texas, the oil and gas capital of the United States, with some facing water shortages as an unusual winter storm pummeled the southeastern part of the country. The NWS said the storm would bring ice, sleet and heavy snow to parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi as it tracks …

The crisis in Texas underscores the deadly risks when the grid goes down
3 years, 10 months ago

The crisis in Texas underscores the deadly risks when the grid goes down

Salon  

On Monday night, every patient that pediatrician Phillip Scott admitted to the Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. The energy crisis in Texas underscores the deadly risks communities face when the grid goes down, which will happen more often as the occurrence of extreme weather events increases due to climate change. According to …

Why the power grid failed in Texas and beyond
3 years, 10 months ago

Why the power grid failed in Texas and beyond

LA Times  

The power outages tormenting Texas in uncharacteristically arctic temperatures are exposing weaknesses in an electricity system designed when the weather’s seasonal shifts were more consistent and predictable — conditions that most experts believe no longer exist. The gap between the winter and summer supply reflects power plants going offline for maintenance during months when demand typically is less intense and …

EXPLAINER: Why the power grid failed in Texas and beyond
3 years, 10 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why the power grid failed in Texas and beyond

Associated Press  

DALLAS — The power outages tormenting Texas in uncharacteristically Arctic temperatures are exposing weaknesses in an electricity system designed when the weather’s seasonal shifts were more consistent and predictable — conditions that most experts believe no longer exist. The gap between the winter and summer supply reflects power plants going offline for maintenance during months when demand typically is less …

‘A complete bungle': Texas’ energy pride goes out with cold
3 years, 10 months ago

‘A complete bungle': Texas’ energy pride goes out with cold

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Anger over Texas’ power grid failing in the face of a record winter freeze continued to mount Wednesday as millions of residents in the energy capital of the U.S. remained shivering with no assurances that their electricity and heat — out since Monday in many homes — would return soon or stay on once it finally does. …

Why A Powerful Winter Storm Caused Blackouts In Texas
3 years, 10 months ago

Why A Powerful Winter Storm Caused Blackouts In Texas

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The powerful winter storm stampeding across the continental United States this week blasted Texas with arctic temperatures that triggered widespread blackouts, plunging millions into darkness as snow and record cold paralyzed the country’s second-largest state. “Everything in Texas is focused around summer peak demand when we’re all trying to air-condition our houses and keep it 75 when …

Why America's power grids will keep failing us
3 years, 10 months ago

Why America's power grids will keep failing us

Salon  

Wednesday marked the third day millions of Texans found themselves without power following a rare winter storm and frigid temperatures dipping into the low 20s. "Many of the problems we're seeing, both in California now in Texas, are due to the fact that the grid we have in both places is dumb and old, as opposed to being smart, new …

What Went Wrong With The Electric Grid In Texas?
3 years, 10 months ago

What Went Wrong With The Electric Grid In Texas?

NPR  

What Went Wrong With The Electric Grid In Texas? NPR's Noel King speaks to professor Emily Grubert, who studies energy infrastructure at Georgia Tech. NOEL KING, HOST: I want to bring in Emily Grubert, a professor at Georgia Tech whose expertise includes electrical networks. GRUBERT: Yeah, so I think one of the most important things to understand about what's going …

Winter Storm Leaves Many In Texas Without Power And Water
3 years, 10 months ago

Winter Storm Leaves Many In Texas Without Power And Water

NPR  

Winter Storm Leaves Many In Texas Without Power And Water Enlarge this image toggle caption LM Otero/AP LM Otero/AP Updated at 6:30 p.m. "The ability to restore more power is contingent on more generation coming back online," said Dan Woodfin, the senior director of ERCOT's system operations. "If you think you or a loved one has become ill from carbon …

‘A complete bungle': Texas’ energy pride goes out with cold
3 years, 10 months ago

‘A complete bungle': Texas’ energy pride goes out with cold

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Anger over Texas’ power grid failing in the face of a record winter freeze mounted Tuesday as millions of residents in the energy capital of the U.S. remained shivering with no assurances that their electricity and heat — out for 36 hours or longer in many homes — would return soon or stay on once it finally …

Millions without power as deep freeze continues across US
3 years, 10 months ago

Millions without power as deep freeze continues across US

Al Jazeera  

At least a dozen weather-related deaths have been reported with more storms on the way. At least 8 people were reported dead and more than three million were without power in the southern US state of Texas after a rare deep freeze placed an enormous burden on the state’s electrical grid, prompting rolling blackouts and limited ability of some providers …

Texas blackouts show the power grid isn’t ready for climate change
3 years, 10 months ago

Texas blackouts show the power grid isn’t ready for climate change

LA Times  

A woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street Tuesday near downtown Dallas. When a few hundred thousand California homes and businesses lost power for several hours last summer, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wrote that the Golden State “is now unable to perform even basic functions of civilization, like having reliable electricity.” What Texans have experienced over the last few …

Millions Lose Power In Texas, Northern Mexico As Blackouts And Bitter Cold Continue
3 years, 10 months ago

Millions Lose Power In Texas, Northern Mexico As Blackouts And Bitter Cold Continue

NPR  

Millions Lose Power In Texas, Northern Mexico As Blackouts And Bitter Cold Continue Enlarge this image toggle caption David J. Phillip/AP David J. Phillip/AP Updated at 12:45 p.m. ET A winter storm that brought bitter cold, snow and ice and left millions without power in Texas and northern Mexico will extend its grip through Tuesday. Sponsor Message "The state has …

Winter storm cripples life in Texas, millions without power supply
3 years, 10 months ago

Winter storm cripples life in Texas, millions without power supply

India Today  

Houstonians woke up to heaps of snow outside their homes Monday morning, with brutally cold wind chill dipping temperatures into the teens and no electricity in most areas. National Weather Service forecasters have extended the winter storm warning for the Houston area to 6 a.m. Thursday, as cold weather and the threat of more rain -- freezing or otherwise -- …

Texas produces more power than any other state. Here’s why it went dark anyway
3 years, 10 months ago

Texas produces more power than any other state. Here’s why it went dark anyway

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Even mighty Texas, the energy powerhouse of America, is feeling the wrath of Mother Nature. “All sources of energy are underperforming in the extreme cold because they’re not designed to handle these unusual conditions.” The ripple effects are being felt around the nation as Texas’ prolific oil-and-gas industry stumbles. And that’s an even bigger deal …

Frozen wind turbines, limited gas supplies and rolling blackouts: Behind Texas’ energy woes
3 years, 10 months ago

Frozen wind turbines, limited gas supplies and rolling blackouts: Behind Texas’ energy woes

CNN  

CNN — Some of the warmest places in Texas, where rolling power outages are occurring across the chilly state, are inside cars and trucks parked in the driveway of a home without electricity. “For now it feels like a waiting game.” Ryan Rijken said his family in north Texas has been dealing with rolling power outages since around 3 a.m. …

Millions in Texas lose power as winter storm drops temps to -22C
3 years, 10 months ago

Millions in Texas lose power as winter storm drops temps to -22C

Al Jazeera  

Over two million people are in the dark due to rolling blackouts to stop a system-wide power outage. The state of Texas continued to reel under a deep freeze, leaving utilities scrambling to meet record power demand and forcing the state’s grid operator to enforce rotating blackouts early on Monday, putting over two million Texans in the dark. Rotating power …

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