Texas Power Grid: Power Sources Ready for Hot Summer Months, Says ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Between hurricanes and heat, Texas grid executives said they are prepared for this summer.

ERCOT leaders ‘confident’ grid will hold up this summer

As July approaches, ABC13 caught up with the head of the state’s power grid. We asked him how he thinks the grid will handle the next few months.

“I am confident that the grid is ready to withstand the hot summer ahead,” said Pablo Vegas, ERCOT’s CEO.

Confidence comes with more resources. The state has added more solar and energy storage since last summer.

According to a recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, ERCOT has added 4,500 MW of solar power and 1,600 MW of battery energy storage since last August.

Here’s Why August Is a Bigger Concern Than July

Renewable energy is expected to make a big difference next month. However, conditions could be tighter in August as solar power does not provide as much energy.

“Even though we still feel like the days are pretty long in August, we’re starting to see them getting shorter,” Vegas said. “They’re already getting shorter now.”

According to ERCOT, there is a 12% chance of power outages or a 16% chance of an emergency in August.

“That being said, we do not anticipate any problems, emergencies or power outages in August. We just want to be very transparent when we assess probabilities as to where the risk points are, and there is a little more risk in August than in the early parts of the summer,” Vegas said.

The state is trying to solve that problem by adding more storage. This way, before sunset, solar energy can be stored and used later. But there is still a long way to go.

“There are traditional issues like supply chain issues,” Vegas said. “We’re seeing grids all over the world recognize the value that battery storage can bring. There’s demand all over the world for more batteries. So it’s just a matter of being able to track the supply chain.”

An active hurricane season is expected. Here’s how ERCOT is preparing

Eyewitness News asked what was being done, knowing that this could be a very active hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting that this hurricane season will be above average, with up to 25 named storms.

ABC has been told electricity suppliers are working on infrastructure to cope with the high winds. ERCOT is also reviewing scenarios with emergency managers on what to do if a hurricane is headed our way.

“I feel like we’re ready for this summer and what that’s going to bring, and I hope all the transportation operators and utility companies are ready as well,” Vegas explained.

There could be calls for energy conservation this summer. This is when you will be asked to use less energy.

But you may not need to adjust your thermostat as much as you think. Executives said if they’re asking for energy savings, you can do your part, and it doesn’t have to be a lot.

“Every little bit helps,” Vegas said. “We’re not asking people to do something that makes them feel super uncomfortable, and if they can adjust their thermostat just a degree or two, that can make a difference. It’s really appreciated. When you do that in the homes of millions and millions of Texans, it makes a big impact.”

Other energy sources may soon become available

Even more power is on the way. State lawmakers created a Texas Energy Fund. It gives companies low-interest loans to create electricity. So far, the Public Utilities Commission said 125 people have expressed interest.

They have until next month to apply. However, leaders said the additional power could still be a few years away.

“You’re probably going to see towards the end of 2026 and into 2027, when some of that generation starts to be online, and then you’ll see it steadily over the next couple of years after that,” Vegas explained.

Between renewables, storage and other energy sources, ERCOT leaders hope grid problems will soon be a thing of the past.

“I think we’re coming out of this risk situation that we’ve been in for the last few years,” Vegas said.

First, the state faces what could be an extremely hot summer.

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