Concerns are heightened by a recent report regarding the winter conditions of the Texas grid.

NERC’s recent report highlights a concerning prospect for the upcoming winter in North America. It warns that over half of the U.S. might face electricity shortages during severe cold snaps due to a deficiency in natural gas infrastructure. Specifically, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and other grid operators could struggle, particularly with generators at risk of going offline in extreme cold conditions. Texas, in particular, has grappled with grid issues during winter peaks in recent years.

Recognizing this vulnerability, ERCOT aims to bolster its power capacity ahead of the winter season. They’ve sought to increase operating reserves by up to 3,000 megawatts, a move intended to significantly reduce the likelihood of hitting an energy emergency alert below a 10% probability, a level deemed risky.

Aside from grid concerns, experts suggest fall as an opportune time for home preparations to avoid costly repairs during the colder months. Simple tasks such as clearing brush around the house and ensuring damp outdoor gear doesn’t drip indoors can go a long way in preventing damage and maintaining a cozy, intact home environment.

NERC’s report also shed light on a critical regulatory oversight. Both NERC and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission emphasized the need for legislative action to address a regulatory blind spot regarding the reliable supply of gas during extreme cold. This was underscored by an investigation into power outages during Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022.

Source – https://www.kvue.com/