ERCOT warns of strained grid conditions this summer
Last summer was the second hottest in Texas on record, and the organization that manages the power grid is warning that this summer could be just as bad. But at the monthly board meeting on Tuesday, ERCOT’s CEO said the grid is prepared.
DALLAS – Texas has so far survived the summer without an energy warning from the state’s power grid operator.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss how grid stability was ensured and what is needed in the future.
The explosive growth in the state of Texas will continue to put pressure on the power grid. ERCOT forecasts that peak loads on the grid could double within six years.
At the board meeting in Austin on Tuesday, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said the company will continue to develop a resource mix that will make the grid more reliable in the long term.
“We have seen significant increases in energy storage resources, solar resources and wind resources, while there has been little increase on the thermal gas side,” he said.
All of this has contributed to more consistency and less shortages during peak summer periods, Vegas says.
ERCOT expects supply to be sufficient to meet demand on Tuesday.
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However, with large increases in demand expected from residential and commercial customers moving to Texas, board members discussed the need for significant new infrastructure to accommodate the projected growth.
“I think it would be helpful for ERCOT and stakeholders to have a detailed discussion about a timeline because I think that’s really important to customers,” said one board member.
“I think the best way to discuss this question is to bring together the transmission system developers who have really good insights into the supply chain and the service providers who can help build the voltage system for the state, whatever it will be,” Vegas said.
ERCOT is considering building high-voltage power lines. Construction could take some time.
“When you think about the long-term build-out we’re talking about, it’s a phased build-out over 10 to 14 years that provides the opportunity to acquire, negotiate and purchase rights of way,” Vegas said.
“I think we need to make sure we look closely at the supply chain on this issue,” said one board member. “Not just the actual procurement of the equipment and the build-out, but also the regulatory process that goes along with it.”
The draft report is due to be published in September.
