Grid Locked
In February 2021, Texas suffered an intense winter storm and the state power grid had a catastrophic failure that lasted many freezing cold days. To understand the situation, one has to look at the history of the grid, and how Texas came to be what we call an “energy island.”
99% Invisible · Mose Buchele, Jayson De Leon
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Show Notes
In February 2021, it began to snow in Austin, Texas, which was unusual, and exciting for some, at least until the power dropped out for millions of people. To many, this came as a shock – how could a state known for its energy production have such widespread, prolonged power outages? To understand the situation, one has to look at the history of the grid, and how Texas came to be what we call an “energy island.” It's the only state in the lower 48 that operates its own independent electric grid.
For more on the Texas grid by Mose Buchele, be sure to check out The Disconnect.
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