Texas Power Grid
The Texas power grid is unique — and sometimes unpredictable. These articles explain how ERCOT works, what happens during extreme weather, and what it all means for your electricity.
Demand Response Programs in Texas
Learn how demand response programs work in Texas, what smart thermostat programs offer, and how you can earn bill credits while helping the grid.
Deregulated vs Regulated Areas in Texas
Find out whether your area has electricity choice, which cities are regulated, and what to do if you live in a co-op or municipal utility territory.
How ERCOT Manages the Texas Power Grid
Understand ERCOT's role in operating the Texas Interconnection, why the Texas grid is separate from the rest of the US, and how it all works.
Is the Texas Power Grid Reliable?
An honest look at the current state of Texas grid reliability, improvements since 2021, and what challenges remain.
What to Do During a Power Outage in Texas
Know who to call, how to report an outage, the difference between TDU and REP responsibilities, and how to prepare your home.
Texas Renewable Energy Generation
Explore how much of Texas runs on wind and solar, the state's massive renewable capacity, and what it means for electricity prices.
Summer Grid Alerts: What Conservation Appeals Mean
Learn what happens when ERCOT issues grid alerts during summer heat, what the different alert levels mean, and what you should do.
Summer Peak Demand: Why Texas Electricity Prices Spike in the Heat
Texas electricity prices rise every summer. Learn why peak demand drives up costs, how ERCOT manages summer grid stress, and how to pick a plan that protects you.
How Electricity Gets to Your Home in Texas
Follow the path electricity takes from power plant to your wall outlet, through generation, transmission, distribution, and your meter.
What Is ERCOT and How Does It Manage the Texas Grid?
ERCOT runs the Texas power grid. Learn what it does, how it balances supply and demand, and why the Texas grid operates independently from the rest of the country.
Wholesale vs Retail Electricity Prices in Texas
Understand how the ERCOT wholesale market sets prices, why retail rates do not track wholesale prices one-to-one, and what this means for your bill.
Winter Storm Uri: What Happened and What Changed
The February 2021 power crisis exposed weaknesses in the Texas grid. Learn what caused the blackouts, what has changed since, and what it means for your electricity plan.
Winter Storm Uri: What Happened and What Changed
A look at the February 2021 grid crisis, what caused widespread power failures across Texas, and the reforms that followed.