ERCOT’s Final Winterization Report Confident That Texas Grid Is Prepared for Winter Weather

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) on Jan. 18 filed its final winter weatherization report, with the Public Utility Commission. The report indicates that 321 out of 324 electric generation units and transmission facilities completely passed inspection for new winterization regulations from the Commission. ERCOT, the grid operator, which manages about 90 percent of the state’s electric load, continues to work with the remaining three facilities to ensure they correct their remaining deficiencies.

ERCOT is confident that 321 inspected facilities both meet and/or exceed the latest requirements from the Commission. The inspection reports that windbreak structures are also up to protect equipment from extreme temperatures. The remaining three, which represent about 0.4 percent of ERCOT’s generation fleet, have been identified for further review but remain operational.

Newly adopted regulations require all electric generation and transmission owners to make important winterization improvements, following the extreme winter freeze (Winter Storm Uri) in Texas during 2021, which negatively impacted the Texan electricity grid. In October, the commission adopted a rule addressing weather emergency preparedness of power generators and utilities following legislation enacted to address the issues faced during and after the mid-February winter storm event. To avoid a similar situation going forward, ERCOT and the commission are collaborating efforts to ensure grid reliability and security of energy supply.

ERCOT conducted inspections at 302 electric generation units during December, accounting for 85 percent  of the megawatt hours lost during Winter Storm Uri. Furthermore, in early 2021 Texas enacted legislation, which increased the maximum penalties for violation of weather rules to $1 million per day per violation. The legislation was passed, in order to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and ensure power generators continue to supply the grid reliably.

Going forward, the commission will determine any potential enforcement actions ensuing from its inspections.