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Stories Tagged as

Power grids

A Warmer World

Texas lawmakers want state-funded power plants to improve grid reliability

by Ali Budner
Apr 13, 2023
Blackouts and brownouts are becoming more common thanks to climate change. Grid managers say backup electricity options are essential — but at what cost?
Texas lawmakers are debating a bill that would fund new natural gas plants to act as a sort of fleet of emergency generators. Above, transmission towers near Houston.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Texas power grid could be woefully unprepared for coming winter

by Andy Uhler
Oct 5, 2021
Legislation passed after February's brutal cold doesn't obligate Texas natural gas companies to do much in advance of extreme weather.
High voltage transmission towers on Feb. 21 in Houston.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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A heat wave in the West is putting stress on power grids

by Samantha Fields
Jun 16, 2021
There are technology and consumer behavior changes that could make a difference as extreme heat becomes more common.
In Texas and California, people are being asked to lower their power use.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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Texas blackouts during deep freeze highlight grid challenges

by Scott Tong
Feb 16, 2021
When it comes to electric power grids, supply and demand need to be in balance.
In Texas, the freezing weather raised costs for electricity ratepayers but caused many customers to lose power.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Our power grid, then and now

by Jed Kim
Aug 13, 2018
A lot has changed since the Northeast blackout of 2003.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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