Low Wind Generation Prompts Texas Power Grid Operator to Declare Emergency to Avoid Blackouts
Texas power grip operator Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) declared an emergency Wednesday night amid late summer scorching temps.
ERCOT manages electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers and represents 90% of the state’s electric load, according to the company.
Temps soared into the triple digits in parts of Texas this week once again straining the power grid.
The wind turbines aren’t producing enough energy and solar generation goes offline at sunset.
According to ERCOT, factors leading to tight grid conditions include:
- Heat. Continued statewide high temperatures.
- Demand. High demand due to the heat.
- Solar. Solar generation starts to decline earlier in the evening hours before completely going offline at sunset.
