Lessons from the Energy Catastrophe in Texas

Alternative Power Plays

Last week, unprecedented snowfall and frigid temperatures wreaked havoc on Texas’ energy infrastructure, leaving millions across the state without power and heat for hours, or in many cases, days at a time.

Many of the state’s nuclear, gas, coal, wind and solar generating facilities were unable to handle the surge in power demand, and because Texas’ energy grid is largely separate from neighboring states, Texas could not address this energy crisis by taking from the surrounding region.

While the Texas works its way back from the energy crisis, there are lessons that individual businesses can take away from this catastrophic event and increase the reliability and resiliency of their electric supply despite severe weather emergencies.

In the first episode of Alternative Power Plays – Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney’s newest podcast all about the innovative ways in which businesses are getting electricity to their facilities, buildings and other sites – Buchanan energy attorneys Alan Seltzer and John Povilaitis discussed a specialized form of electric supply known as combined heat and power (CHP). CHP systems allow facilities to generate their own safe, reliable and cost-effective electric power without needing to depend exclusively on the electric grid and costly backup generators. They can allow facilities of all types – including hospitals, industrial and manufacturing facilities, universities and colleges, retirement communities, and more – to stay operational, even if the nearby electric grid is down for hours or days.

In the episode, John and Alan discuss the situation in Texas, what went wrong, and how CHP offers facilities a way to protect a facility from some of the uncertainties of relying on the electric grid.

For any facility or business considering CHP or more closely examining their energy needs, visit www.BIPC.com/CHP to learn more about how Buchanan can help you navigate all the steps involved.

To read more about John Povilaitis, visit: https://www.bipc.com/john-povilaitis.

To read more about Alan Seltzer, visit: https://www.bipc.com/alan-seltzer.