Electric Grid in Texas Faces Multiple Challenges

The following was gleaned from an article in the December 23 New York Times.

Electric Grid in Texas Faces Multiple Challenges

The state’s electric grid operators are coming off a tumultuous year, one they are not eager to repeat. In February, a deep freeze knocked numerous power plants out of commission as equipment broke, causing rolling blackouts across the state. Then the hottest summer on record spurred repeated conservation warnings, as grid managers worked — successfully — to avoid more blackouts.

While experts do what they can to check the skies and the temperature, grid operators are facing a tougher line of questioning about their ability to keep power flowing smoothly. A report last month by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation cited “significant concerns” about whether Texas would have enough power plants in the near future.

Regulators, eager to avoid blackouts at all costs, want to encourage construction of more power plants to meet the needs of a growing state. But consumer advocates fear this could mean higher electricity prices. Environmentalists are lobbying instead for more focus on energy savings.

Environmentalists argue that the strains on the grid should spur Texas to work on energy-saving strategies. In particular, they are pushing a program called demand response, in which businesses and consumers are paid to reduce power at times of high demand, like late summer afternoons.

The utility commission is looking at expanding Texas’s demand-response capabilities next year, helped by the continuing rollout of smart meters.

Robert King, president of the Austin consulting firm Good Company Associates, said two of his energy clients planned on beginning demand-response programs in Texas next year for the first time.

The commission is also considering regulatory changes that should make storing electricity in batteries easier.

==========