Natural Gas Gets Expensive, Grid Roundup #47

Gas at $4 further highlights importance of renewables and storage; energy efficiency is highly cost-effective; comments due next week for Texas Backup Power Packages; geothermal hearings this week.

In this issue:

• As policymakers consider policies to increase use of gas in ERCOT, natural gas prices are on the rise. Gas was below $2 for most of 2024, contributing to lower electric costs. Gas is now above $4. Renewables give consumers some protection from high gas prices;

• Energy efficiency comments received by the Commission, including mine;

• PUC held a workshop Thursday on Texas Backup Power Package; comments due April 3;

• Geothermal bills get hearings this week; and

• Texas A&M tells ERCOT the load of the main campus will double in the next 5 years.

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