Over-dependence on Wind Power Causes Energy Emergency in Texas

KFWO News Talk ^ | February 2, 2011 | Robert Snyder

[detective]

As was discussed on the February 2nd edition of Pratt on Texas, the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) rolling blackouts across the state could have been prevented with better planning and policy.

Electrical engineer, Ross Aten, joined Robert Pratt to talk about how too many coal and natural gas power plants within ERCOT were taken offline for maintenance. Ross also explained that if you, ‘ran the numbers’, the only way ERCOT could have met peak winter demand usage is if wind energy across the state was producing at significant totals. However, because of the ice storm and lack of wind, windmills weren’t producing any energy.

That is scary to think about. ERCOT without any public proclamation or policy announcement, put all of its proverbial eggs into the ‘wind energy basket’. Or, think about it this way, because of bureaucratic policy and bad planning, millions of Texans had to deal with rolling blackouts during deathly cold conditions.

We heard some horrible stories on the show from people in Abilene that had electronics damaged, and destroyed, because of the electricity popping on and off during the rolling blackouts.

A quick aside, I know the term ‘rolling blackout’ has become accepted because it’s a temporary blackout that is supposed to ‘spread the pain’, but in reality a blackout is a blackout. It doesn’t matter how your home or business doesn’t have power. If you don’t have power, you can’t work and in many conditions, can’t live.

Luckilly (for today), the Lubbock Power & Light and Xcel Energy grids in the South Plains and Panhandle is not connected to ERCOT. I’d imagine that if those two companies systems were connected to ERCOT, the rolling blackouts would have encompassed an even larger portion of the state.

[laotzu]

Based on how much grief you have taken on this thread, I am less confident that riots would not occur here.

[crusty old prospector]

I think it would be even worse if the internet and cell phone towers went down. Just think of the number of rioters who couldn’t check their Facebook accounts.

[LongElegantLegs]

Thanks for the ping!
We have certainly gotten in touch with our inner prairie girls the past few days!

[fortheDeclaration]

The State assumed the responsiblity of ensuring energy is provided.

They did so because they claimed the Free Market couldn't do it.

It is interesting how the free market is able to handle these issues, but the State always uses the excuse of 'cost'.

Let them stop wasting money on things they shouldn't be involved in and ensure that the things they have taken responsiblity for such as ensuring the constant supply of energy.

But you can sit back and accept their excuses, I won't.

[deport]

But you can sit back and accept their excuses, I won’t.

---

Let us know when you get a guaranteed uninterrupted supply of power, natural gas, water, etc. Anyway have a good one and take care.

[fortheDeclaration]

I didn't say I would get a guaranteed uninterrupted supply of power, natural gas, water, etc, I said I would not sit and let the Government make excuses for failing to do what they are responsible for.

That is what a citizen is suppose to do when the Government isn't doing it's job.

Let them know they are replaceable.

[michaelgoggin]

Hey guys, you may want to hear what the head of Texas’s grid operator said today. ERCOT CEO Trip Doggett: “I’m not aware of any nuclear plant problems, and I’m not aware of any specific issues with wind turbines having to shut down due to icing. I would highlight that we put out a special word of thanks to the wind community because they did contribute significantly through this timeframe. Wind was blowing, and we had often 3,500 megawatts of wind generation during that morning peak, which certainly helped us in this situation.”

And what did cause the blackouts? Turns out it was 50 coal and gas power plants that broke down and took 7,000 MW of generation offline. Oops!