The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million customers in Texas. ERCOT's energy mix has been shifting towards renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar power, in recent years.
"We will be relying on renewables to keep the lights on," said Peter Lake, chair of the PUC. "On the hottest days of summer, there is no longer enough on demand dispatchable power generation to meet demand in the ERCOT system.”
Last summer, ERCOT asked Texans to voluntarily conserve energy twice. The grid will be operating with the same amount of power this summer as last year – but with "a lot more Texans."
"We saw several peak demand records set last set last year," said Pablo Vegas, CEO of ERCOT. "We are expecting to have to rely more on renewables during peak conditions than we ever have before. And as a result of this dynamic, this summer could have tighter hours than last summer with a higher risk of emergency operations."
HERE ARE SOME WAYS SOLAR CAN HELP YOU DURING A POWER OUTAGE
1. Powering essential devices: Solar panels can be used to power essential devices like lights, cell phones, and medical equipment during a power outage. By connecting these devices to a solar-powered battery, you can ensure that you have access to essential power even when the grid is down.
2. With a solar panel system and a battery, you can generate and store your own power, which means that you don't have to rely solely on the grid for electricity. This can be especially useful during extended power outages, where the grid may not be able to provide power for an extended period of time.
3. Keeping food and medicine safe: During a power outage, it's important to keep food and medicine refrigerated. With a solar panel system and a battery, you can power a refrigerator or freezer and ensure that your food and medicine stay fresh.
Overall, solar power can be a valuable asset during a power outage, providing backup power, reducing reliance on the grid, and powering essential devices. If you live in an area prone to power outages, investing in a solar panel system with a battery storage system can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you have access to essential power when you need it the most.
Sources: KVUE ABC, ERCOT
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