The Texas grid did its job during the freeze, but the job’s not done

AI generated summary

Since the winter freeze of 2021, Texas policymakers have been working to improve the ERCOT grid's resilience to extreme temperatures, particularly during winter. Measures taken include weatherization inspections, adopting a new ancillary service, and incorporating on-site fuel redundancies. These improvements were evident when the grid responded effectively during the recent cold snap, with no shortage of power reserves. However, the demand for power in Texas is growing rapidly, putting strain on the grid. To address this, policymakers must expand the capacity and capability of the transmission system, as a robust transmission system is essential for both reliability and affordability. Transmission bottlenecks have cost Texans over $5 billion in 2022 and 2023, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

It is crucial for state policymakers to prioritize transmission expansion and address critical infrastructure failures. However, there are powerful forces advocating to maintain the status quo, which goes against the interests of everyday consumers. Building a more robust and resilient electric grid is necessary to support the economic growth and prosperity that Texas has enjoyed. It is essential for leaders to prioritize policy over politics and invest in the infrastructure needed to meet the energy needs of Texans.