ERCOT Warns Texas Power Grid Faces Elevated Risk During Potential Winter Cold Spikes

Despite improvements since 2021, extreme cold events could test the grid's resilience as demand rises and weather patterns show increased volatility.

ERCOT forecasts a higher-than-average likelihood of extreme cold this winter, with conditions resembling those of 2021's Winter Storm Uri, though another Uri-level event is not guaranteed.
Texas' power grid has added over 10,000 megawatts of new generation capacity, including solar, wind, and battery storage, reducing the risk of outages during peak demand periods.
Weatherization efforts mandated after the 2021 storm have strengthened grid reliability, with nearly 2,900 inspections completed to ensure compliance with updated standards.
ERCOT highlighted that the highest risk for outages occurs during early morning hours when heating demand peaks, and solar generation is unavailable.
While the grid is better prepared, ERCOT officials emphasize that extreme weather and rising demand could still necessitate controlled outages to maintain grid stability.