ERCOT: Potential Power Shortages Ahead for Texas

By: AP

Posted: Wed 4:51 AM, May 23, 2012

The operator of the electric distribution grid for most of Texas foresees potential electric power shortages over the next decade as record demand continues to grow.

That is the conclusion of a long-term study released Tuesday by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. ERCOT Chief Executive Trip Doggett says immediate steps must be taken on both the supply side and the demand side of the power equation to ensure reliable electric service for the future.

The report shows a reserve margin of just 9.8 percent of electric generating capacity as soon as 2014, well below ERCOT's 13.75 percent target, and a further drop to 6.9 percent by 2015.

The study counts on coal-fired generating capacity expected to shut down under a proposed federal clean-air rule stayed by a federal court.

I-5 Bridge Collapse Caused by Truck Hitting Span

We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:

Comments must not be profane or vulgar.

Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.

We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.

Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.

Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html