Energy experts speaking at a virtual Reliable Grid Project media briefing Wednesday said renewable power sources are needed to keep up with Texas’ growing demand for electricity.
Panelists also emphasized the importance of power storage using batteries.
“Renewables are absolutely bringing affordability to the grid in Texas, but they’re also bringing reliability in a state that really needs it,” said Matt Boms, the executive director for the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance.
Boms expressed optimism about the grid’s reliability this winter, noting how power sources like wind and solar, along with energy storage, can help fulfill the state’s demand.
“We are heading into the winter with more flexible, reliable power than ever before,” he said. “Clean energy is driving ERCOT’s reliability.”
As more data centers come to Texas, the state will also have to contend with an increased demand for energy.
Stoic Energy Consulting founder Doug Lewin said increased electricity use can drive down costs, if managed correctly.
“That can be, with the right mix of policies around it, actually good for consumers, because you’re actually spreading the cost of the system out among more use,” he said.
Lewin said the state should create a demand response program for data centers to help avoid peaks in electricity use during extreme weather.
“To have a reliable grid, we need data centers to actually create funds to deal with this problem,” he said.
Patricia Zavala, the executive director of nonprofit PowerHouse Texas, also emphasized the importance of renewable energy sources.
“The numbers really speak for themselves, and renewables and batteries are playing a really critical role in lowering costs,” she said.
Zavala cited data from the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, which found that low-income families spend about 12% of their income on electric bills. Meanwhile, households with the highest incomes spend about 1% of their income on energy expenses.
“Texans really just want the same thing,” Zavala said. “We want affordable bills, reliable power, and we want to keep our families safe.”
