Texas Grid Reliability: Winter Storm Blair and What’s Changed Since 2021
News stories from the last few days that explain what's improved — and what hasn't —since Winter Storm Uri, and why Blair is not anything like Uri
As Winter Storm Blair hits Texas, questions about the grid’s stability are back in the spotlight. While much has changed since the devastating February 2021 storm, there are still areas of concern. Over the past week, I spoke with several news outlets about grid reliability and resilience for the Texas grid.
Here’s a breakdown of key points from those conversations and what you need to know about the state of the grid during this storm.
Key Highlights from Recent News Segments
1. Dallas Morning News
In my conversation with the Dallas Morning News, we discussed how resistance heating can cause massive spikes in energy demand during extreme cold weather.
“There’s this exponential curve as you get colder and colder, and all those resistance heat units kick in,” I explained. “You double or triple or even quadruple the amount of energy homes with resistance heat are using.”
The article highlighted that while the grid has seen improvements, the biggest ongoing risk remains homes with inefficient heating systems and poor insulation. These systems put immense strain on the grid during winter storms, leading to potential rolling outages. However, temperatures in this storm are expected to be 20-25 degrees warmer than during Winter Storm Uri so I do not expect any rolling outages this time, as I discussed with KHOU.
2. KHOU 11 News Houston
In my discussion with KHOU, we focused on how different this storm is compared to previous ones and how far Texas has come since Winter Storm Uri.
“A statewide average of right around 6 degrees led to extremely high demand during Uri,” I explained.
This one will likely be around 30 degrees, far less severe than six previous winter storms over the last 13 years.
Battery storage represents one of the biggest improvements on the grid, growing from 200 MW during Uri to over 10,000 MW today.
While these advancements are significant, I emphasized that challenges remain, especially around localized outages due to, in this case, ice and snow.
3. NBC DFW
With NBC DFW, we covered the ongoing risk posed by inefficient heating systems and poorly insulated homes.
“We remain at elevated risk of problems in the wintertime,” I told NBC, “and it’s really unnecessary. There’s a lot of inefficient heating in poorly insulated homes that spike demand to levels we can’t always meet.”
The good news? These are solvable problems. Texas has the tools to reduce energy demand through energy waste reduction programs, but policymakers have yet to prioritize demand side solutions.
4. The Texas Standard, Texas Public Radio
I talked with David Brown on the Texas Standard. We discussed the large improvements made due to the adoption of a weatherization standard by the PUC and enforced by the PUC and ERCOT. There was a large drop in thermal power plant outages in Winter Storm Heather (2024) compared to Winter Storm Elliott (2022).
We also talked about the difference between this storm and previous ones and why it’s unlikely there would not be enough supply to meet demand.
“There might be problems on the distribution grid, though,” I told Brown.
In February 2023 during an ice storm in Central Texas and this last summer following Hurricane Beryl in Houston, many Texans were without power for a week or more. That is unlikely with this storm but significant ice or snow and ice accumulation can wreak havoc on grid infrastructure, highlighting the need for microgrids and backup power systems.
What’s Better Now?
Since Winter Storm Uri, Texas has made meaningful progress to improve the grid’s resilience:
Solar and battery storage have grown rapidly. Storage capacity has increased from 200 MW during Winter Storm Uri to over 10,000 MW today;
A new weatherization standard along with inspections and enforcement for power plants;
These improvements mean Texas is far better equipped to handle extreme weather today than it was in 2021. However, challenges remain.
What Still Needs Work?
Despite the progress, there are still areas where Texas must improve to fully secure the grid:
Energy waste: We need more programs that help Texans weatherize their homes and reduce energy consumption during peak times.
Modernizing HVAC systems: Backup resistance heating systems are a significant driver of demand spikes during winter storms. Switching to high efficiency heat pumps could save up to 23 gigawatts, according to a Texas A&M study done for ERCOT.
More microgrids and backup power systems. Extreme weather is hitting harder with each passing year. On-site power, particularly for critical facilities, is necessary.
Watch the Full Highlight Video
To see a summary of my conversations across these news outlets, check out the highlight reel on Instagram:
👉 Watch the Video and Follow for More
In the video, I cover:
What’s changed since 2021
Why battery storage is a game-changer
The ongoing risks from inefficient heating and insulation
I’ll continue sharing updates as we navigate Winter Storm Blair and beyond. The progress is real, but there’s more work to be done to ensure a resilient, reliable grid for all Texans.
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Thanks for the summary and where the grid stands vs. Winter Storm Blair. I think it would be productive to put more emphasis, at least for the average consumer, that keeping the lights on depends on the grid and the distribution system. My home was built in 1983 although it doesn't look nor feel it, its 42 years old. That means so is the transformer that sits in my backyard and services three other homes. Not well advertised is the maintenance program of Oncor, CenterPoint et al, is replace/repair upon failure. When it's in the 20s equipment fails. I think the average consumer is so focused on ERCOT, they take the TDSP for granted. Reminders consumers are at risk for the age of their TDSP's equipment is warranted.