After underestimating power demand, Texas grid operator gets federal permission to exceed limits

[mahatmakanejeeves]

After underestimating power demand, Texas electric grid operator gets federal permission to exceed air quality limits

The U.S. Department of Energy granted permission for power plants to release more pollution than is normally allowed — if grid conditions worsen.

BY EMILY FOXHALL DEC. 24, 2022UPDATED: 16 HOURS AGO

Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

The U.S. Department of Energy has cleared the way for Texas power plants to pollute more than is usually allowed, such as by burning dirtier fuel oil instead of natural gas, to keep the electricity on through Christmas morning.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state’s main power grid, asked for permission to exceed normal federal air quality restrictions after underestimating the demand for power during this week’s subfreezing temperatures. Such a request is not unusual during emergencies, experts said.

Plants will be able to take advantage of the waived requirements only if ERCOT issues a level 2 or higher energy emergency alert, which includes asking residents to cut back power and interrupting large industrial customer’s electricity, according to the letter. At least one environmental advocate applauded the specificity of the request.

{snip}

U.S. * TEXAS

U.S. Declares Texas Grid Emergency in Arctic Blast

BY ARI NATTER / BLOOMBERG DECEMBER 24, 2022 3:03 PM EST

The U.S. Energy Department declared a power emergency in Texas, citing a shortage of electricity as an Arctic winter blast causes power plants to fail.

The order allows the state’s grid operator to exceed certain air pollution limits to boost generation amid record power demand in the state. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, whose service area includes 90% of electric customers in Texas, requested the emergency order Friday, warning it may need to resort to blackouts.

“While the vast majority of generating units in the ERCOT region continue to operate without any problem, a small number of units have experienced operating difficulties due to cold weather or gas curtailments,” the Energy Department said in its order.

The order said 11,000 megawatts of coal and gas-fired power, 4,000 megawatts of wind and 1,700 megawatts of solar power were out or derated to weather conditions.

{snip}

[keithbvadu2]

1. Optimistically underestimating