Recurve’s Post

In the face of ongoing grid challenges in Texas due to winter freezes, it's crucial to figure out the reasons behind the failures. Texas is anticipating another winter storm this year. How can we avoid another February 2021 or January 2022?   NERC warned Texas officials that the state is at higher risk of energy shortages this winter than last because it is not bringing enough new power online to meet the state’s surging demand.  In response, the state’s main grid operator is calling for electricity providers to revive recently retired power plants in the event of a winter storm like the one that crippled the state in 2021.  It's time to start looking into new options for your energy. #dynamicslr #winterstorm #texasgrid #energyindependence #solarenergy #texas #houston #weather #climateawareness 

“…Texans are being warned they’ll be at an elevated risk of power shortages this summer at sunset when solar output plunges amid still-strong demand, which in dire conditions could trigger blackouts. The riskiest time is 8 to 9 p.m. in August when there is an 18% probability a grid emergency will be declared, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. said in its summer assessment Wednesday. The models show a nearly 15% chance for controlled blackouts for the month. Recent summers in Texas have revealed the vulnerability of the power grid at dusk as reserves fall to low levels and set off a series of events to keep the lights on, including rolling blackouts. Electricity consumption in the state has set records nearly two dozen times in the previous two summers. In addition to the outlook in Texas, NERC said New England faces tight supplies during extreme weather after a 1,400-megawatt Mystic Generating Station was shut this month. While the Midwest and Southwest also face power shortages, the outlook is significantly less dire than last year because of plentiful hydroelectric generation in the West and reduced wildfire risk, according to the report.”

Explore the underlying reasons behind the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid during cold snaps. Discover how a recurring shortage of natural gas poses a threat and what steps are recommended by experts to enhance reliability. Delve into the challenges faced by utilities and the crucial measures taken to prevent potential grid failures. Stay informed about the intricacies of our power infrastructure during winter. https://lnkd.in/gV4vfZa5

The energy transition is on its way and this weekend showed that we need a diverse electrical grid. When we have these extreme temperatures for days on end it really stresses the grid. With so many people moving to Alberta every year we are going to see more and more of these events. https://lnkd.in/gsnbX2x7

Frigid temperatures have been no stranger to most Americans across the U.S. the past several winters, and amid the growing shift from coal to natural gas for electricity generation, it’s becoming even more critical for America to invest in #NaturalGas infrastructure to meet growing energy demand and ensure access to clean, affordable and reliable energy, especially during extreme cold outbreaks.   Read more on the vulnerability of America’s electrical grid from Tom Winter and Kevin Monahan:

Summer is off to a sizzling start, which means higher electricity bills are on their way. The Energy Information Administration expects the U.S. average monthly residential power bill to rise to $173 in June, July and August, up 3% from last summer. The government’s estimates are subject to the weather, of course. But the biggest bumps in electricity expenses will likely occur along the Pacific Ocean and in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. New Englanders can expect to receive smaller bills than in 2023, according to the EIA. So should residents of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, who nonetheless can anticipate another summer of America’s biggest power bills, the EIA said. The Southwest has been baking and a high-pressure ridge smothering the East is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures to Washington, D.C., this weekend for the first time since 2016. It snowed in Montana this week, but the Northwest is heating up and is forecast to join the rest of the country with above-normal temperatures next week. This month will likely wind up being the warmest June in records dating back to 1950, both in terms of actual temperature and cooling-degree days, said Steve Silver, senior meteorologist at Maxar. Cooling-degree days are a population-weighted measure of temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit that energy traders use to gauge demand. Air-conditioning season would be even more expensive had it not been so warm this past winter. With less need for heat, a lot of natural gas was left unburned. Prices plunged into spring, when demand for gas is low. Though renewable energy production—particularly solar—is booming, burning natural gas remains the dominant means of producing electricity in the U.S. It accounted for 43% of utility-scale power generation last year, more than the next three biggest sources—nuclear, coal and wind—combined, according to EIA data. 

Folks, watch what's happening in California. Solar, wind power and hydro are meeting 83.5% of daily demand, for almost 10 hours nothing else was needed to meet grid demand! Success. The chart doesn't show that 1/3rd of the solar is rooftop and reduces demand before the grid even sees it. :)

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙨 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙙 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙: 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 Texas faces a challenging winter as attempts to bolster its power grid have fallen short. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), overseeing the state's main power grid, acknowledged an "unacceptable" risk of a power grid emergency during potential winter storms. Efforts to enhance grid reliability by reviving old gas- and coal-fired power plants did not attract any proposals, despite a November deadline. ERCOT's backup plan to pay companies for reduced power usage during peak hours also failed, receiving minimal interest, and was subsequently scrapped. Public Utility Commission of Texas Will McAdams criticized ERCOT's approach for potentially destabilizing the regulatory market environment. Energy experts have expressed doubts and confusion over ERCOT's strategies. The aftermath of the 2021 winter storm, which caused widespread failures and fatalities, has heightened concerns over the grid's reliability. Despite legislative efforts to winterize power plants and assurances from utility companies about preparedness, skepticism remains. ERCOT faces a 20% risk of emergency operations if a severe winter storm occurs, according to their calculations. The grid's reliability continues to be a subject of debate, with recent market changes and funding initiatives aimed at encouraging the construction of gas-fueled power plants, which are more reliable but costlier and environmentally impactful. Overall, the state's grid faces uncertainties as it heads into winter without the expected additional power generation. https://lnkd.in/g6fk5M3E

Texas says it’s ready for the cold this time. Solar and wind have expanded since the winter of 2021, adding capacity. Transmission lines have increased. Plants are required to maintain fuel reserves. But the biggest impact will come from natural gas. Steps have been taken to assure that the natural gas plants remain online. When the cold weather arrives, we will find if these steps were enough.  #ANDnotOR https://lnkd.in/euPsyt8M

𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙨 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮: 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩-𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 Three years after the catastrophic blackouts during #WinterStormUri, Texas' electricity grid has shown resilience against major winter storms, Elliott in December 2022 and Heather in January, without experiencing widespread blackouts. These events tested the grid changes implemented post-Uri, including enhanced oversight of power plant weatherization and a diversified energy mix, suggesting improvements in grid reliability. However, concerns persist regarding the grid's ability to withstand more severe storms and the heavy reliance on natural gas for black-start capabilities, crucial for grid recovery post-blackout. Despite improvements, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) faces challenges in ensuring grid reliability amidst growing demand, the need for more dispatchable generation, and the integration of renewables. Experts emphasize the importance of diversifying energy sources and enhancing coordination between the electric and gas sectors to bolster grid resilience. Additionally, the role of battery storage as both an energy source during peak demand and a potential black-start resource highlights the evolving strategies to safeguard Texas' grid against future crises. https://lnkd.in/gwrV8Shk