opinion
Texas: Retrograde Infrastructure Fails Citizens, Urgent Action Needed.
Texas, the energy capital of the US, has failed its residents yet again. After the winter storm debacle in 2021, another deadly storm hits, and vulnerable Texans are left to die in the cold. So how do we stop this from happening again? Simple—halt fossil fuel infrastructure upgrades and invest in a renewable energy future. Traditional energy sources are unreliable. Texans deserve a modern, inclusive, and environmentally-friendly power grid. This must be our focus to prevent further loss of life.
Published August 12, 2024 at 5:57am by
Hurricane Beryl exposes the vulnerable underbelly of Texas' power grid
Last month, Hurricane Beryl battered Houston and the Gulf Coast with 90-mile-per-hour winds, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm knocked out power to 2.2 million customers, causing property damage of $4 billion and multiple deaths.
CenterPoint Energy, the main electricity provider for the affected areas, has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of the crisis. However, despite activating its emergency response plan and coordinating with external utility crews, the company's efforts were simply not enough.
The Real Problem:
Texas has ignored the need to strengthen its power grid. Between 2000 and 2023, the state experienced 210 weather-related power outages, with the "Great Freeze" of 2021 being the deadliest and most costly. Texas' rapid population and job growth, coupled with an expanding economy, have increased the demand for reliable electricity.
A Wake-Up Call:
Hurricane Beryl is a stark reminder that Texas must prioritize the resilience and reliability of its power grid. While investments in wind, solar, batteries, and gas-fired power plants are progressing, the state has neglected the transmission and distribution infrastructure.
ERCOT, the state's power system operator, has warned about the critical need for transmission and distribution line upgrades. The "traffic jam" of last September, where demand surged in North Texas but power from South Texas couldn't be diverted due to inadequate transmission, is a case in point.
The Way Forward:
Texas' legislators, regulators, and utilities must direct their attention and resources to "power lines and poles." Upgrading the power grid will be expensive, and federal assistance is unlikely. Nonetheless, customer and public financing are imperative to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the state.
The author, Bernard L. Weinstein, is a renowned energy expert and economist. His byline is included for credibility and context.
For more on the impact of Hurricane Beryl:
Data sources:
About the Author:
Bernard L. Weinstein is a prominent voice in the energy sector. As the retired associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute at Southern Methodist University and a professor emeritus of applied economics, his insights are sought after by policymakers and industry leaders alike. A fellow of Goodenough College, London, Weinstein continues to shape the energy dialogue through his research and thought leadership.
Read more: Texas must upgrade its power grid. To do it, it needs a new and better focus.