California ISO’s Post

High temperatures are expected throughout the weekend, but the power grid is currently stable, and we are not expecting any energy supply shortfalls. We are closely monitoring extreme heat and wildfire activity. Follow grid conditions on Today’s Outlook: https://lnkd.in/gStUajxp

Renewables are one of the least expensive power generation methods, if not the lowest cost.

US federal regulators, including FERC and NERC, warn of potential challenges in the natural gas market this winter. While fundamentals seem stable under normal conditions, extreme cold snaps could threaten infrastructure, especially in the eastern US and ERCOT. The 2023-2024 assessment notes increased natural gas demand despite adequate storage, lower prices, and robust production. Concerns include the interconnected nature of gas and power systems, with potential failures during extreme weather. Electric resources are expected to increase, but retirements and renewables may impact availability. Regulators stress the importance of implementing recommendations and acknowledge the vulnerability of energy infrastructure to climate change. #Energy #NaturalGas #Electricity #WinterEnergyAssessment #NaturalGasMarket #EnergyInfrastructure #FERC #NERC #ERCOT #ExtremeWeatherRisk #ClimateChangeImpact #EnergyResilience #PowerGrid #WinterSupply #EnergySecurity https://lnkd.in/gtu_8BMT

"As for reliability, we’re increasingly seeing that gas is not as reliable as advertised. Grid planners are calling on gas resources when times get tough, and those gas plants aren’t always showing up. Those planners need to update how gas contributes to grid reliability because the current accounting methods aren’t adding up." In a new piece, Union of Concerned Scientists emphasizes the need to shift away from gas plants as instances of extreme weather increase and the climate warms. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eMAr4nTg

Explore the underlying reasons behind the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid during cold snaps. Discover how a recurring shortage of natural gas poses a threat and what steps are recommended by experts to enhance reliability. Delve into the challenges faced by utilities and the crucial measures taken to prevent potential grid failures. Stay informed about the intricacies of our power infrastructure during winter. https://lnkd.in/gV4vfZa5

It is a very circular issue of escalation where a waiver is granted to create more Co2 deficit in order to keep the power on because of the excessive heat caused by climate change and CO2. It is an example of the obvious fact that we cannot go back even if we wanted to without a pain level that no one wants.... Food for thought. "The US Energy Department has issued an emergency order aimed at keeping the lights on in Texas as the state’s power grid grapples with surging demand amid record-high temperatures. The order, issued Thursday night, could allow Texas power plants to surpass pollution limits through Friday night to meet “abnormally high” demand for electricity". https://lnkd.in/gT9_NgfY

  Extreme cold snaps across the U.S. have pushed power demand to new heights as households and businesses crank up their heating. Pumped storage hydro is an energy storage solution that has been proven over the decades to provide the energy storage needed before, during, and after weather events. In a carbon-free energy future, pumped storage will play an increasingly important role. #powergrid #pumpedstorage #hydro #carbonfree

Recent extreme weather events have demonstrated the need for a coordinated approach between natural gas and the electric grid. In my latest blog post for @Northwest Gas Association, I reviewed key takeaways from a recent joint report from FERC and NERC on improving our energy system's reliability during severe conditions, plus discussed how natural gas storage facilities can continue to act as a “shock absorber” for the energy system. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4aNt2Ky #Energy #NaturalGas #ElectricGrid #ExtremeWeather #EnergyReliability #SpireMidstream

Amid skyrocketing temperatures, the Texas grid faced a critical test yesterday evening. Surging demand combined with high thermal outages and other factors prompted ERCOT to declare an Energy Emergency Alert 2, marking ERCOT’s first grid emergency since Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. Here's the remarkable part: battery resources came to the grid’s rescue and helped Texans avoid rolling blackouts. 🔋   As demand for electricity continues to rise, especially during periods of extreme heat, this close call emphasizes the crucial role that energy storage plays in improving grid resiliency and preventing dangerous outages. Learn more about yesterday’s energy event and how storage supported the grid in this piece from Utility Dive:

Record-breaking temperatures strained our power grids this summer, but “natural gas was essential in securing the power grid and keeping the power on.”   In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that #NaturalGas was America’s top energy source.   Learn more about the vital role #natgas is playing in our energy mix in Energy In Depth: