Winter Readiness

Retirement of several generation plants in recent years combined with increased growth in Texas has contributed to lower-than-normal operating reserves.
- A total of 5,500 megawatts of generation was retired in 2017.
During winter months market pricing for electricity has the potential to escalated across Texas.
Curtailment of natural gas to generating plants also happens in an effort to ensure that residential customers have access to their heat resource. Natural gas is used to produce a substantial amount of Texas’ power.
Conservation will be important this winter, especially on days with extremely cold temperatures.

What is ERCOT, where does GEUS fit in?

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is the electric power grid operator for 85% of the state of Texas.
GEUS does own generation locally but we are also members of ERCOT.
- Having local generation and a diverse power portfolio protects GEUS from high market prices.
- Being a member of ERCOT allows GEUS to buy and sell electricity to ensure the lowest cost possible for our customers.
GEUS is committed to assisting the rest of the state in the case of an emergency.

As a Community-Owned Public Power Utility, it is always our goal to keep the community informed, engaged and involved.
Lower-than-normal reserves combined with increased growth and electrical usage, creates the potential for rotating outages.
As always, GEUS is preparing throughout the utility to be ready to serve.

Additional information about ERCOT Grid Conditions can be found here.