99% Invisible Grid Locked
Mar 22, 2022
Mose Buchele, a reporter at KUT known for his coverage of Texas's infamous blackout, dives deep into the chaos caused by the February 2021 winter storm that left millions without power. He unpacks the history of Texas's independent power grid, the effects of energy deregulation, and the vulnerabilities of this so-called energy island. Buchele also addresses public anxiety post-blackout and the ongoing debates about climate change's impact on grid resilience, revealing a complex interplay between reliability and competition.
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Texas Blackout
- In February 2021, a severe winter storm caused widespread power outages in Texas.
- Reporter Mose Buchele documented the storm's impact and the resulting blackout's effect on Texans.
Texas Grid's Fragility
- Texas is known for energy production, yet its grid operates precariously.
- The state's independent grid and history contribute to its vulnerability.
Early Electricity Distribution
- Early electricity distribution in the US was a mix of city-run and private utilities.
- The lack of regulation created competition and a volatile market.
