Texas faces threat of blackouts after grid fails to secure new power supply

AI generated summary

Texas is facing the risk of blackouts this winter as its grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), failed to secure additional power supply to meet the demand. ERCOT had sought to procure up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity for the winter season, but only received 11.1 megawatts of offers from consumers to curtail usage during tight conditions. The grid operator made the unprecedented move to solicit seasonal capacity due to concerns of a potential power emergency following the grid failure earlier this year during severe winter storms.

This news comes as demand is expected to reach another winter record and ERCOT predicts a 21% probability of a grid emergency and a nearly 17% chance of rolling blackouts in January if extreme weather occurs at the riskiest hour. Regulators and lawmakers have been working to strengthen Texas' electricity system to prevent a repeat of the devastating power outages experienced earlier this year. However, the cancellation of the solicitation for additional power supply leaves the state vulnerable to potential blackouts this winter.