Counterflow with Buck Johnson Ep. 145b: What Exactly Happened in Texas? with Meredith Angwin
Feb 25, 2021
Meredith Angwin, author of 'Shorting the Grid', shares her expertise on the recent electricity crises in Texas. She discusses the vulnerabilities of the state's electric grid amid severe weather, highlighting the breakdown of the independent grid system. Angwin analyzes misconceptions about wind energy and the challenges of winterization, specifically how renewable energy failed during extreme cold. She also examines deregulation in energy markets and emphasizes the importance of accurate information to combat misinformation, making this a vital discussion for understanding energy reliability.
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Vermont Grid Experience Story
- Meredith Angwin joined Vermont's grid consumer liaison group and learned about grid operations firsthand.
- She wrote her book to expose the hidden fragility caused by complex grid rules and lack of transparency.
Fuel Dependence Adds Fragility
- Overreliance on natural gas and renewables makes the grid fragile due to fuel delivery vulnerabilities.
- Natural gas power plants depend on pipelines that are prone to failure, risking blackouts during extreme weather.
Winterizing Wind Turbines Costs
- Winterizing wind turbines is a cost-benefit decision influenced by regional climate differences.
- Texas did not winterize turbines due to cost and climate assumptions, unlike colder regions like Norway.
