Some energy experts warn that the recent failings of the state's grid may portend additional shutdowns should temperatures continue to climb this summer.
No matter the season, customers of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are learning they may be better off relying on themselves.
“It’s not a total surprise that hot weather would strain the grid, only it usually happens in August. That’s what we expect and plan for,” said Michael Webber, an energy professor at the University of Texas at Austin. through Friday, amid an energy emergency with soaring temperatures and a series of mechanical problems at power plants.
Webber partly blames the shutdowns on climate change, in addition to power plants hitting capacity limits set decades ago. More recently, millions in Texas went days without power in February, as bitter cold and ice caused blackouts. More than 100 people died in the winter storm,State lawmakers in recent months adopted two laws mandating that power companies make upgrades to withstand extreme weather. It could be years before those improvements are done and the grid is more dependable, which Webber said means the measures don't go far enough.
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