Whoops: For seven months, the grid operator has run on trimmer-than-intended reserves. Why? Nobody double-checked the planning model, The Dallas Morning News reported. Despite the oversight, the grid kept on chugging as it hit demand records twice in one week: In late July, ERCOT recorded 87.4 GW and 91.3 GW in demand amid searing temps.
What now? There’s no need to fix the shortage this year, officials said, but in 2027 ERCOT plans to require customers to pay for extra backup power.
While we’re here: NextEra has secured $3.3B from the Department of Commerce and the Japanese government for up to 10 GW of natural gas plants in TX and PA. This announcement fits into a broader US-Japan trade deal that also includes up to 10 new nuclear reactors.
Sun, Aug 16
Molly Glick
Energy Central Team
NEWS: ERCOT made a modeling mistake—and bought an average of 3.7 GW less in reserves.
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