Texas Winter Storm 2021: Why You Need Solar Energy
Summers are getting hotter and winters are getting colder. This past February, Texas experienced some of the coldest days in state history. A bitter winter storm swept through the state, leaving millions without power and killing more than a hundred.
The freezing temperatures debilitated the Texas energy infrastructure. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has advised Texas to weatherize its grid infrastructure many times since the last freezing storm in 2011. Failing to do so, Texas was caught off guard by below-average winter temperatures.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is again calling on residents to reduce their energy consumption as temperatures rise.
For a long time, the Texas energy grid primary goal has been to provide energy at the lowest possible cost. Such an objective reduces incentive to improve infrastructure and merits having blackouts during peak load times — a classic case of getting what you pay for.
For how long are we going to put profits over humanity? This question sits at the core of the energy conversation. And it’s a question that surfaces in the face of such seasonal disturbances — disturbances that seem to be happening with greater frequency. From high death tolls that could have been avoided to billions in damages that could have been mitigated, many Texans are saying enough is enough.
The Power of Distributed Renewable Energy
Texans are ready to take action. From the inflow of calls and proposal requests we’re receiving here at Texas Best Solar, it seems that people want to do their part in improving grid reliability and resiliency.
Despite the negative press the Texas renewable energy sector received in the wake of the February storm, it’s well documented that wind energy is not to blame for the February energy catastrophe. Wind turbines did freeze, but ERCOT data shows that the wind turbines that were operational outperformed their expected February output and ultimately generated energy on par with expectations for that time of year.
In addition, families that had residential solar and battery storage were also able to more effectively weather the February storm. A solar system is a great way to gain greater energy independence, not only as a way to insulate from rising electric prices, but also as a means to promote stronger distributed energy sources. And by adding battery storage with your system, you’ll have better peace of mind for the next emergency situation.
As a whole, Texas has placed large emphasis on centralized energy. Large natural gas generators. Coal plants. Oil farms. But distributed energy, such as micro-grids and residential solar can play an impactful role in strengthening the overall grid.
With more and more Texans installing solar and battery storage at their homes, the people are saying that they want to elevate the sustainability and reliability of the Texas grid.
Pressure The Government
With frustration boiling and costs rising, it can be easy to point fingers and make accusations. Especially when ERCOT sends messages advising on how to best use energy.
Believe me, I want to keep my house at a comfortable temperature year round without having unexpected utility bill costs. That’s one reason I believe in solar and stress that my neighbors invest in their own energy generation as well.
And while installing solar greatly empowers families and even benefits the larger utility grid, if Texas really wants to modernize to a level that is deserving of a developed economy, then we should really consider putting pressure in the right places.
While ERCOT does manage roughly 90% of the Texas electric grid, it does not have any regulatory authority over the electricity sector. It manages the energy flow, but it does not dictate how utilities and generators operate. That power rests solely in the hands of the state legislature.
So if you want to take the first step to energy independence, installing solar at your home is a great place to start.
If after that you want to empower the rest of the state, putting pressure on local government to modernize the grid is another solid idea.
By installing solar and pressuring the local government, you’ll be making powerful strides towards your own energy independence and towards improved energy reliability for the state of Texas.
Resources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/death-toll-texas-winter-storm-grows-more-100-n1262115
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ercot-request-conserve-energy-shows-year-round-vulnerability-
texas-grid-n1271124
https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/downtown-skylines-enraging-powerless-texans/
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/energy-environment/2021/03/04/392895/ferc-chief-
warns-orders-to-weatherize-texas-grid-on-the-way/
The Energy Gang Podcast — Disaster in Texas