ERCOT projects 80% chance of rolling blackouts if another Winter Storm Uri hits Texas
By
Ed Hirs
Summary
Despite four years and billions of dollars spent on improvements since Winter Storm Uri in 2021, Texas's electric grid (operated by ERCOT) remains critically vulnerable. ERCOT projects an 80% likelihood of rolling blackouts if a storm the magnitude of Uri hits this winter — up from just 5% before Uri. Even a weaker storm like 2022's Winter Storm Elliott carries a 50% probability of triggering rolling blackouts. The article argues that Texas's government-operated grid model has resulted in higher consumer costs, lower reliability, and a lack of accountability.
Source
bskyERCOT projects 80% chance of rolling blackouts if another Winter Storm Uri hits Texasforbes.comKey quotes
· 4 pulledERCOT projects an 80% likelihood of rolling blackouts if a storm the magnitude of Winter Storm Uri hits the state this winter.
Prior to Uri in February 2021, the probability of rolling blackouts was only 5%.
A weaker storm—equivalent to 2022's Winter Storm Elliott—has a 50% probability of triggering rolling blackouts.
Texas has a 100% government operated grid under which consumers pay more, get less, and no one can be held accountable.
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