Texas Braces for Arctic Blast Amid Concerns Over Power Grid Reliability

Despite assurances from Governor Abbott, critics argue that the state has not done enough to prepare for extreme weather, with a one-in-six chance of rolling blackouts predicted if temperatures reach December 2022 lows.

Texas is bracing for another Arctic blast, raising concerns about the reliability of the state's power grid, which failed during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, causing blackouts, hundreds of deaths, and billions in unexpected utility bills.
Despite Governor Abbott's assurance that the grid is prepared, critics argue that Texas has done little to insulate its constituents for the next big freeze, instead doubling down on natural gas power plants, which were found to be the main cause of blackouts during Uri.
Renewables and batteries are expected to make a meaningful difference during the upcoming freeze, with wind power expected to produce at least 10 GW on the coldest mornings, and solar adding at least 7 GW mid-day, along with 3 GW of batteries.
Experts suggest other measures to prepare the Texas grid for future freezes, including increasing residential energy efficiency and connecting the Texas grid with the rest of the country, which would make the grid more reliable and could save consumers money.
Despite improvements made to the grid and the expansion of solar power, there remain times of vulnerability for the grid during extreme weather, and there is a roughly one-in-six chance of rolling blackouts during the mornings if temperatures get as cold as they did in December 2022.