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LES Planned Outages

According to a spokesman from the people in charge of the Texas grid, the main problem is their fossil fuel burning stuff failing.

"While ice has forced some turbines to shut down just as a brutal cold wave drives record electricity demand, that’s been the least significant factor in the blackouts, according to Dan Woodfin, a senior director for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state’s power grid.

The main factors: Frozen instruments at natural gas, coal and even nuclear facilities, as well as limited supplies of natural gas, he said. 'Natural gas pressure' in particular is one reason power is coming back slower than expected Tuesday, added Woodfin."



Meanwhile people with wind and solar still running are selling their juice at a monster profit right now because the demand for power is so high.
 
Long term goal is to figure out some solar option that isn’t ugly as sin and has a payback that isn’t laughable.

I would love for my power to be off the grid and in my own hands.
The price of solar panels and lithium storage has been going down year by year. And there's still tax credits available. The issue is in Nebraska we've got cheap coal and natural gas here coming from Wyoming so our electricity is cheap compared to other states and the ROI on adding solar is going to probably be 10-15 years depending on your location. There are better places to invest, but it will pay back better than a simple savings account and you gain the independence of being off the grid.
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And while it's very salient right now to think about the cold, the cooling demand trends have only been going up as it gets hotter and hotter.

People can squabble over WHY it's getting hotter all they want, but your electric bill won't care about why your AC ran so much that month. They'll just want their money.
 
We run on propane now for heat and cooking. A propane generator has been in my list since I moved to my place a few years ago. I also have a 500 gallon tank. I’m considering adding a 1,000 tank and installing a whole house standby. From the minor research I’ve done, I can cover the whole hole house for about $6,000, not including the bigger tank.

I’ve looked at Generac and Cummings.

Long term goal is to figure out some solar option that isn’t ugly as sin and has a payback that isn’t laughable.

I would love for my power to be off the grid and in my own hands.
I've installed quite a few, and generac is probably the way to go. I used to sell Siemens, but for some reason the plunger on the transfer switch would bend a little bit over time and it couldn't transfer automatically. Ran into the same issue with some older ONAN generators but they're more money than you need to spend anyway. Spend the extra on a 22K, because if the power goes out in the summer it's nice to be able to run your air conditioner with no concerns. TBH, just talk to an electrician and let them know what you want to be able to run so they can size it for you appropriately.
 
I've installed quite a few, and generac is probably the way to go. I used to sell Siemens, but for some reason the plunger on the transfer switch would bend a little bit over time and it couldn't transfer automatically. Ran into the same issue with some older ONAN generators but they're more money than you need to spend anyway. Spend the extra on a 22K, because if the power goes out in the summer it's nice to be able to run your air conditioner with no concerns. TBH, just talk to an electrician and let them know what you want to be able to run so they can size it for you appropriately.
Thanks!
 
Thank goodness for coal plants. Or right now we’d have power for about an hour a day right now.

True, but getting dry coal can become a challenge in a lot of places as this drags on. Then you have some gas plants that can flip to petro in these events, but can’t run all out because of emissions restrictions. Combine that with plants not designed to run at these temps with snow and ice being fought off and the work the guys are doing keeping things up is remarkable.
 
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True, but getting dry coal can become a challenge in a lot of places as this drags on. Then you have some gas plants that can flip to petro in these events, but can’t run all out because of emissions restrictions. Combine that with plants not designed to run at these temps with snow and ice being fought off and the work the guys are doing keeping things up is remarkable.
There are emergency provisions that would allow those plants to run without regard to emission limitations fwiw
 
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I’ll trust the people who work with the EPA and DNR, maybe you know more than them. Care to pass along contact info to help them out?
I'm not giving out my contact info. But the air permit should have what to do in the conditions. If you can't find that, you can default to 40 CFR 70.6(g) for details. It's just a short report that you would submit to your local air agency, not the EPA. For Nebraska: Lancaster County is Lincoln Lancaster Health Department; Omaha is Omaha Air Quality Control; the rest of Nebraska is Nebraska DEE- Air Section.
 
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I'm not giving out my contact info. But the air permit should have what to do in the conditions. If you can't find that, you can default to 40 CFR 70.6(g) for details. It's just a short report that you would submit to your local air agency, not the EPA. For Nebraska: Lancaster County is Lincoln Lancaster Health Department; Omaha is Omaha Air Quality Control; the rest of Nebraska is Nebraska DEE- Air Section.

Different state and I’m third hand from those guys, but their message was it wasn’t worth the effort and reporting for the additional 40 or so MW (<1% of total generation).
 
Different state and I’m third hand from those guys, but their message was it wasn’t worth the effort and reporting for the additional 40 or so MW (<1% of total generation).
Iowa would be the DNR, Linn County and Polk County. If it was an actual true emergency, they would be doing it. The fact that they would even debate it shows it’s optional and not an emergency.
 
Iowa would be the DNR, Linn County and Polk County. If it was an actual true emergency, they would be doing it. The fact that they would even debate it shows it’s optional and not an emergency.

Not Iowa either, we haven’t had to shed load yet, came really close this morning.
 
If it wasn’t so expensive I’d go with geothermal heating and cooling I know several people that have it and once you get past the initial investment its pretty simple and economical

tell me more please. I live in ft worth texas (with a massive south facing back roof with nothing in the way)- have a septic system and well water. Being without electricity for 36 hours is making me pissed and ready to invest- house is paid for and I’m in my early 40’s, plan to be here a long time- HELP!
 
IF you can't recognize that the "green" energy mandates have played a huge role in blackouts then there's no hope for you. When you have government entities mandating that a certain percentage of your power comes from "renewable" energy, it squeezes out traditional power generation methods. We've been shuttering coal plants in this country left and right because of government mandates. One nice thing about coal is that it is EXTREMELY easy to store. Natural gas is not by comparison. Don't get me started on wind and solar. We HAVE to maintain our ability to consistently produce energy from reliable sources and that doesn't mean wind and solar. It IS a national security issue.
If you can't recognize that Texas operating it's own power grid (the only one not under federal jurisdiction) played a huge role than theres no hope for you.

It's clear you want to blame renewables and I've read enough of your posts to know you don't change your mind based upon evidence.

However,

"While some wind turbines did freeze, failures in natural gas, coal and nuclear energy systems were responsible for nearly twice as many outages as renewables, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), which operates the state’s power grid, said in a press conference on Tuesday."

Frozen instruments at gas, coal and even nuclear power stations were among the main problems, Ercot director Dan Woodfin said, according to Bloomberg.

US conservatives falsely blame renewables for Texas storm outages
 
10 years approx.
I'm in Illinois and signed a solar contract last year. Payback period is about 8-9 years.
I'm in the minority, but this isn't strictly a financial/investment decision. It also gives me peace of mind and I'd like to be part of the solution of helping us diminish carbon emissions.
 
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If you can't recognize that Texas operating it's own power grid (the only one not under federal jurisdiction) played a huge role than theres no hope for you.

It's clear you want to blame renewables and I've read enough of your posts to know you don't change your mind based upon evidence.

However,

"While some wind turbines did freeze, failures in natural gas, coal and nuclear energy systems were responsible for nearly twice as many outages as renewables, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), which operates the state’s power grid, said in a press conference on Tuesday."

Frozen instruments at gas, coal and even nuclear power stations were among the main problems, Ercot director Dan Woodfin said, according to Bloomberg.

US conservatives falsely blame renewables for Texas storm outages
But if you can't automatically blame the other political tribe for every bad thing that happens in the world, what's the point in getting out of bed in the morning?
 
If you can't recognize that Texas operating it's own power grid (the only one not under federal jurisdiction) played a huge role than theres no hope for you.

It's clear you want to blame renewables and I've read enough of your posts to know you don't change your mind based upon evidence.

However,

"While some wind turbines did freeze, failures in natural gas, coal and nuclear energy systems were responsible for nearly twice as many outages as renewables, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), which operates the state’s power grid, said in a press conference on Tuesday."

Frozen instruments at gas, coal and even nuclear power stations were among the main problems, Ercot director Dan Woodfin said, according to Bloomberg.

US conservatives falsely blame renewables for Texas storm outages
Problem across the board is failure to winterize, which, when you look at the probability of sustained temps below freezing in Texas makes no economic sense. Solar and wind are much harder to ‘winterize’ then oil and gas lines. Given only ~30% of Texas power supply is wind, you’d expect it to contribute less in terms of number of failures. Gas supply and power generation have proven methods of winter-proofing... does solar and wind?
 
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Problem across the board is failure to winterize, which, when you look at the probability of sustained temps below freezing in Texas makes no economic sense. Solar and wind are much harder to ‘winterize’ then oil and gas lines. Given only ~30% of Texas power supply is wind, you’d expect it to contribute less in terms of number of failures. Gas supply and power generation have proven methods of winter-proofing... does solar and wind?
There should be some kind of saying about failing to plan...
 
Problem across the board is failure to winterize, which, when you look at the probability of sustained temps below freezing in Texas makes no economic sense. Solar and wind are much harder to ‘winterize’ then oil and gas lines. Given only ~30% of Texas power supply is wind, you’d expect it to contribute less in terms of number of failures. Gas supply and power generation have proven methods of winter-proofing... does solar and wind?
If the energy suppliers can charge more during high demand, then perhaps promoting winterizing isn't in their interest?
 
If the energy suppliers can charge more during high demand, then perhaps promoting winterizing isn't in their interest?
There are millions of homes in South Texas that aren't insulated to protect against freezes that will burst water pipes. They never imagined they'd need such a thing. But, as Forrest Gump used to say 'It Happens'. Just sucks for them I guess.
 
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There are millions of homes in South Texas that aren't insulated to protect against freezes that will burst water pipes. They never imagined they'd need such a thing. But, as Forrest Gump used to say 'It Happens'. Just sucks for them I guess.
Government bailouts coming?
 
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There are millions of homes in South Texas that aren't insulated to protect against freezes that will burst water pipes. They never imagined they'd need such a thing. But, as Forrest Gump used to say 'It Happens'. Just sucks for them I guess.

I have a coworker in the Dallas area and I’ve been telling him to keep his water running, even if he does have power. Those houses aren’t built for this weather.
 
I have a coworker in the Dallas area and I’ve been telling him to keep his water running, even if he does have power. Those houses aren’t built for this weather.
It surprises me that they don't build and insulate better with how hot it gets down there. Most of what helps to keep a house warm in winter also helps to keep it cool in summer.

In particular I don't think a lot of people down south have basements, so they put stuff like plumbing, HVAC equipment, water heaters, etc. in attics or garages or wherever it's easy.
 
It surprises me that they don't build and insulate better with how hot it gets down there. Most of what helps to keep a house warm in winter also helps to keep it cool in summer.

In particular I don't think a lot of people down south have basements, so they put stuff like plumbing, HVAC equipment, water heaters, etc. in attics or garages or wherever it's easy.


Sort of, but the chances of plumbing melting in the summer isn't generally a problem.
 
Problem across the board is failure to winterize, which, when you look at the probability of sustained temps below freezing in Texas makes no economic sense. Solar and wind are much harder to ‘winterize’ then oil and gas lines. Given only ~30% of Texas power supply is wind, you’d expect it to contribute less in terms of number of failures. Gas supply and power generation have proven methods of winter-proofing... does solar and wind?

Again sort of. They have a plan in place to ensure that the plants and generation facilities are winterized. However, the same dudes from ERCOT that were quoted above also blamed COVID for not being able to go and inspect that the plants and generation facilities were actually winterized as required. So they just took their word that they took the required steps.
 
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weve been cold as hell, and my house is built like many down here.
if we didnt have insulation we’d f’n fry in the summer.
anyways, no frozen/burst pipes.
ive wondered if many have not dripped their faucets.
typically, most plumbing is in the slab, some have had slab leaks and relocate pex water lines to attics, easier than sawcutting slab and lay new ones.
one difficult combination you will find is flex ducts in unconditioned/heated attics.
the flex duct that looks about as durable as aluminum foil and just about as energy efficient.
some spray insulate roof deck to keep it reasonable.
 
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weve been cold as hell, and my house is built like many down here.
if we didnt have insulation we’d f’n fry in the summer.
anyways, no frozen/burst pipes.
ive wondered if many have not dripped their faucets.
typically, most plumbing is in the slab, some have had slab leaks and relocate pex water lines to attics, easier than sawcutting slab and lay new ones.
one difficult combination you will find is flex ducts in unconditioned/heated attics.
the flex duct that looks about as durable as aluminum foil and just about as energy efficient.
some spray insulate roof deck to keep it reasonable.

The problem with dripping faucets down here in Houston is that our water doesn't come from water towers, it comes from underground lines and pumps. So dripping faucets is probably what has led to the amount of water outages and boiling requirements. With that many people opening "holes" in the line, the pumps can't push the water as efficiently and it can lead to contamination. Tough spot to be in, listen to the plumbers who tell you to drip or listen to the utilities who provide the water.
 
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Colorado City, TX Mayor:

No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local governments responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Sink or swim, it’s your choice! The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you NOTHING! I’m sick and tired of people looking for a damn hand out! If you don’t have electricity you step up and come up with a game plan to keep your family warm and safe. If you have no water you deal with out and think outside of the box to survive and supply water to your family. If you were sitting at home in the cold because you have no power and are sitting there waiting for someone to come rescue you because your lazy is direct result of your raising! Only the strong will survive and the week will perish. Folks, God Has given us the tools to support ourselves in times like this. This is sadly a product of a socialist government where they feed people to believe that the FEW work and others will become dependent for handouts. Am I sorry that you have been dealing without electricity and water; yes! But I’ll be damned if I’m going to provide for anyone that is capable of doing it themselves! We have lost sight of those in need and those that take advantage of the system and mesh them into one group!! Bottom line, quit crying and looking for a handout! Get off your ass and take care of your own family!

Bottom line - DON’T BE A PART OF A PROBLEM, BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION!
 
Colorado City, TX Mayor:

No one owes you or your family anything; nor is it the local governments responsibility to support you during trying times like this! Sink or swim, it’s your choice! The City and County, along with power providers or any other service owes you NOTHING! I’m sick and tired of people looking for a damn hand out! If you don’t have electricity you step up and come up with a game plan to keep your family warm and safe. If you have no water you deal with out and think outside of the box to survive and supply water to your family. If you were sitting at home in the cold because you have no power and are sitting there waiting for someone to come rescue you because your lazy is direct result of your raising! Only the strong will survive and the week will perish. Folks, God Has given us the tools to support ourselves in times like this. This is sadly a product of a socialist government where they feed people to believe that the FEW work and others will become dependent for handouts. Am I sorry that you have been dealing without electricity and water; yes! But I’ll be damned if I’m going to provide for anyone that is capable of doing it themselves! We have lost sight of those in need and those that take advantage of the system and mesh them into one group!! Bottom line, quit crying and looking for a handout! Get off your ass and take care of your own family!

Bottom line - DON’T BE A PART OF A PROBLEM, BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION!
Holy sh!t. This guy a mountain man from the 1800s or something?
 
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If you can't recognize that Texas operating it's own power grid (the only one not under federal jurisdiction) played a huge role than theres no hope for you.

It's clear you want to blame renewables and I've read enough of your posts to know you don't change your mind based upon evidence.

However,

"While some wind turbines did freeze, failures in natural gas, coal and nuclear energy systems were responsible for nearly twice as many outages as renewables, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot), which operates the state’s power grid, said in a press conference on Tuesday."

Frozen instruments at gas, coal and even nuclear power stations were among the main problems, Ercot director Dan Woodfin said, according to Bloomberg.

US conservatives falsely blame renewables for Texas storm outages
The REASON they HAD to try to generate more electricity from those plants than normal OTHER THAN the cold snap was that wind turbines weren't turning all the way from Texas to South Dakota. I drove by a HUGE turbine farm yesterday and ONE, yes ONE of the dozens I passed was running and yet they were turning off electricity to townships in those same areas. We've decommissioned over 12 gigwatts of generating capacity from coal fired power plants since Obama was elected. That would have helped to have those on line don't you think?
 
And we NEED to over engineer our power plants for the well being of our citizens don't you think? The problem is we've become reliant for peak supplies from AN UNRELIABLE POWER SOURCE.

Meh, just because we can use a lot of wind doesn’t mean anyone is relying on it to cover peaks in these situations. This wasn’t new, this happens in ERCOT every decade or so. Similar events happened there in 89, people said they should keep more reserves online and winterize better, and they did for a few years before deciding the cost was too high and reverting to previous operations. It happened again in 2011 with similar results with unit trips and failures on many of the same units.

If you are bored, you can read the FERC Report for their 2011 event here.


Engineering for the .1% is very costly and that’s what we have here. People scream about high power bills then scream about why they weren’t ready for these events at the same time.
 
The REASON they HAD to try to generate more electricity from those plants than normal OTHER THAN the cold snap was that wind turbines weren't turning all the way from Texas to South Dakota. I drove by a HUGE turbine farm yesterday and ONE, yes ONE of the dozens I passed was running and yet they were turning off electricity to townships in those same areas. We've decommissioned over 12 gigwatts of generating capacity from coal fired power plants since Obama was elected. That would have helped to have those on line don't you think?
Do you drive an abrams tank as your personal vehicle? That logic suggests you should.
 
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