Politicians and energy officials are blaming each other for the disruptions in the state, but cannot yet say how long it will take. Texas has its own power grid, managed by state and semi-private entities. Those same groups are now playing the blame game, trying to figure out how the state failed to keep the lights on for the Texans.
Governor Greg Abbott is not leaving anyone out when it comes to blaming the state for power failures. “Whether it is renewable energy, such as wind or solar, but also as I mentioned today, access to energy generated from coal, access to energy generated from gas have also been compromised,” he said.
By context, in 2020, wind and solar energy were responsible for around 25% of the state’s electricity generation throughout the year. Meanwhile, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy combined about 69%.
Even though the wind was the main source, the reason behind this failure is that many pieces of equipment were not “prepared for winter”, which may include the use of insulated heaters and pipes. This is something that places like Minnesota do and their wind turbines don’t shut down in the cold.
“Natural gas generators are the ones we all counted on to provide electricity. Some coal plants should also be started and also did not answer the bell.”
After a 2011 winter storm in Texas that paralyzed energy, a report recommended sources of energy for the winter. Ed Hirs, an expert in energy economics and policy at the University of Houston, said the recommendations were not implemented.
“The notices have been there for years and Governor Abbott has done nothing. Before that, Governor (Rick) Perry did nothing. This was a train wreck about 10 years ago, ”said Hirs.
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