Steven Ardary
AUSTIN, Texas – The newest report from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas outlines potential issues with the state’s power reserves as early as 2027.
The agency released its Capacity, Demand and Reserves Report on Thursday which estimates future reserve margins expected to be available during peak demand in the summer and winter seasons.
Timeline
One scenario in the report shows the state’s energy production falling beneath the demand by 8.3% during peak demand in the summer of 2027.
That same scenario shows a shortfall of 32.4% by summer 2029.
The report uses a new load forecast that comes from transmission and distribution utilities and uses the reliability contributions of alternate energy sources like wind and solar.
The report states the new forecast power demands come from consumers like data centers, industrial production facilities and cryptocurrency mining.
What they’re saying
“For this CDR, we provided additional scenarios to illustrate the impacts of timing differences in load and supply growth. For example, if load were to not materialize as early as forecasted or if the full TEF generation portfolio is built within the report horizon,” ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said. “These are probable scenarios that show moderated planning reserve impacts. However, the economic growth ahead does show that action is needed today to ensure long-term reliability and affordability.”
“ERCOT looks forward to working on short- and long-term solutions with the Texas Legislature, PUCT, and stakeholders to continue to strengthen the reliability and resiliency of the Texas power grid,” he continued.
What’s next
The report outlines possible solutions like broadening the Firm Fuel Supply Service Program and adding more projects through the Texas Energy Fund.
The agency is also looking to improve battery functions.
Senate Bill 6
The Texas legislature is already making plans for future developments that require a large amount of power against the grid.
