Tag

Ercot

All articles tagged with #ercot

environment9 days ago•13 min saved

Texas tops the nation in proposed data-center power plants, triggering climate and grid concerns

Texas leads the nation in proposed power plants to fuel data centers, with 32 of 74 nationwide planned in the state and the potential to emit about 287 million tons of greenhouse gases annually plus significant air pollutants. The surge is tied to a booming AI/data-center sector and Texas’ business-friendly climate, but critics warn it could strain the grid, raise electricity costs for residents, and worsen health disparities in already vulnerable communities. Proponents point to efficiency and on-site generation, while policymakers weigh regulatory and fiscal implications amid rapid growth.

via The Texas Tribune|

#air-pollution #data-centers #environment

technology1 month ago•33 min saved

Texas Data-Center Boom Tests Grid, Water and Local Attitudes

Texas is seeing a surge of planned data centers that could demand massive electricity and water, prompting ERCOT to batch-review proposals and locals to push for protections against higher bills, noise, and water stress as the state aims to become a leading AI infrastructure hub.

via The Texas Tribune|

#data-centers #ercot #grid-reliability

energy5 months ago•3 min saved

DOE Orders Backup Generators to Stabilize Texas Grid During Winter Storm

The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order directing ERCOT to require large energy users (including data centers) to run backup generators to bolster the Texas grid amid Winter Storm Fern, with exemptions for certain facilities and authorities to mobilize up to about 35 GW of backup generation; the order, which can be invoked if the grid reaches an emergency level, remains in effect until Tuesday.

via fox4news.com|

#backup-generators #doe-emergency-order #energy

technology5 months ago•2 min saved

ERCOT Real-Time Grid Pulse: Texas Power Supply, Demand, and Conditions

KHOU highlights ERCOT’s real-time dashboard that shows current and forecasted Texas power supply and demand, grid health, and operating reserves, plus monitors like solar output and prices; it notes Entergy Texas isn’t on ERCOT and points readers to MISO for grid checks outside Texas.

via khou.com|

#ercot #grid-conditions #power-grid

weather5 months ago•22 min saved

Arctic storm grips Texas with ice, outages, and travel hazards

An arctic winter storm blankets much of Texas with freezing rain, sleet and dangerous travel conditions, prompting a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties while officials note the ERCOT grid is prepared, though local outages are still possible as the storm continues into the weekend and beyond.

via texastribune.org|

#ercot #ice-storm #power-outages

weather5 months ago•14 min saved

Texas Prepares for Weekend Winter Storm, Emphasizing Grid Resilience

Texas braces for a weekend Arctic cold snap with snow, sleet, and ice while officials say the state’s power grid is better prepared than during Winter Storm Uri, thanks to more generation (solar, wind, batteries) and hardened natural-gas facilities. ERCOT projects sufficient generation to meet demand, though ice and downed tree limbs could cause local outages. Preparations include warming centers, road treatment, and emergency response teams; Dallas and Austin are expanding warming-center capacity, and Texas leaders plan briefings to coordinate across agencies.

via texastribune.org|

#ercot #naturalgas #texas

energy2 years ago•2 min saved

Texas Faces Looming Power Crisis as Demand Soars and Grid Weaknesses Persist

Texas will need nearly double its current power supply by 2030 due to increasing population and high demand from large customers like oil and gas companies and data centers. ERCOT predicts demand could reach 150GW, up from last year's record 85GW. New legislation and large customer practices are causing concerns among residents. While reforms were made after Winter Storm Uri, critics argue they are insufficient. However, the situation may boost renewable energy initiatives and conservation programs.

via Newser|

#energy #energy-demand #ercot

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Preparing for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Impacts on Power, Food, and Duration"

The path of April's total solar eclipse is expected to briefly reduce solar power output in Texas, but experts assure that the electric grid can compensate for the dip using other energy sources. The eclipse's impact on the US power grid is not anticipated to cause significant disruptions, as utility companies can prepare for its path, timing, and duration. Homeowners relying solely on solar power and situated in the path of totality may experience a brief impact, but overall, the eclipse is not a cause for concern and can be enjoyed safely with proper eyewear.

via USA TODAY|

#energy-grid #ercot #renewable-energy

energy-policy2 years ago•2 min saved

"Democrats Propose Bill to Connect Texas Power Grid to National Grid"

Reps. Casar and Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Connect the Grid Act to connect Texas's grid with the national grid, aiming to prevent future power outages. The bill would place ERCOT under federal oversight and require a study on connecting with Mexico. They argue that interconnecting the grid could have prevented mass power outages during the winter storm and could lower national carbon emissions due to Texas's renewable energy production. The bill's Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Markey and has support from progressive lawmakers, but faces challenges in the GOP-majority House.

via The Hill|

#energy-policy #ercot #legislation

energy2 years ago•6 min saved

"Texas Tech's Power Move: Lubbock's Energy Market Deadline Looms"

After years of desiring a more competitive electricity market, residents of Lubbock, Texas, are finally getting their wish as the city's electric market opens up. With over 30 companies to choose from, residents are finding the process overwhelming, and concerns linger about finding a new low rate. Despite the challenges, the switch to the state's open marketplace represents a significant milestone for the city, which has invested millions in the move. As the deadline approaches, residents are diligently researching their options to find the best deals and perks, with about 45% having already chosen their provider.

via The Texas Tribune|

#consumer-choice #electricity-market #energy

weather2 years ago•1 min saved

"Texas Braces for Another Cold Front as ERCOT Issues Grid Notice"

ERCOT has issued an Operating Condition Notice (OCN) ahead of an extreme cold weather event predicted to hit the Houston area from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2024. This notice is part of ERCOT's standard procedures to ensure market participants are prepared for potential grid challenges. The OCN is the first of four levels of communication issued in anticipation of a possible Emergency Condition, indicating compromised or threatened safety or reliability of the ERCOT System.

via KPRC Click2Houston|

#cold-front #ercot #extreme-weather

energy-weather2 years ago•2 min saved

"ERCOT Urges Energy Conservation Amid Houston's Arctic Blast Power Outages"

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a conservation appeal due to a winter storm hitting Texas, but the grid conditions returned to 'green' as the conservation appeal ended. The difference between forecasted available capacity and demand varied throughout the morning, with customers using less energy than forecasted. Despite earlier concerns, the actual demand versus forecast demand was off by 10,000 megawatts, and supply exceeded forecasted levels.

via KPRC Click2Houston|

#energy-conservation #energy-weather #ercot

energy-markets2 years ago•4 min saved

"Record Demand Spurs Natural Gas Jump Amid Winter Freeze"

US natural gas supplies have dropped significantly due to extreme cold, leading to record demand for heating and power. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) urged conservation efforts as electricity demand was expected to surpass all-time highs. Gas production in key areas like the Permian Basin and North Dakota's Bakken shale field was affected, while power prices soared to multi-year highs across the US and Canada.

via Reuters.com|

#energy-markets #ercot #extreme-cold

energy2 years ago•2 min saved

"ERCOT Urges Energy Conservation Amid Record-Breaking Arctic Blast in Texas"

ERCOT, Texas' electric grid operator, is asking residents to conserve electricity from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday morning due to tight grid operations and high demand caused by winter weather. This is the second consecutive day of conservation appeals, and similar grid operations are expected on Wednesday morning. ERCOT has outlined different alert levels and a notification system for residents to stay informed about grid conditions.

via KXAN.com|

#electricity-conservation #energy #ercot

weather2 years ago•10 min saved

"Central Texas Braces for Arctic Blast: Live Updates and Emergency Operations Activated"

An arctic cold front has hit Central Texas, bringing a winter weather advisory, hard freeze warning, and wind chill advisory until Wednesday. Some snow flurries are expected around noon Monday, with cold weather remaining a concern. Power outages are minimal, but residents are advised to conserve electricity. Road conditions are icy in some areas, leading to flight cancellations and adjusted public transportation services. Emergency Operations Centers are open, and warming centers and cold weather shelters are available for those in need.

via Austin American-Statesman|

#austin #cold-weather-shelters #ercot