Thread by @SenatorBrakey

I understand Austin not being prepared for a winter storm like this.

Texas doesn’t expect a Maine winter.

Thank you to all the men and women working to get power back online.

Once we are through this, we should explore solutions for a more reliable energy system.

Our energy system requires two kinds of power — base load and variable load.

Base load is the minimum amount needed to power the grid in a given day.

Variable load is the additional energy needed to power the grid at any given time.

For base load, you need consistent, reliable power. Sources like nuclear and hydro make excellent base load.

For variable load, you need power you can be turned on and off at will. Coal, gas and oil make effective variable base load.

Without better battery technology, wind power fails both tests.

The wind tends to blow at night (during base-load hours, when variable load isn’t as needed) and in an intermittent manner that makes it difficult to predict.

Solar power is at least based on an energy source available during peak hours.

As technology improves, there’s probably a role for solar in our energy portfolio.

From what I read, the anticipated base-load in Texas is much higher in the Summer (when air conditioners are on) than in the usually mild winters.

But as heaters turned on this week, there was not enough base load ready to meet the demand.

The immediate challenge is getting sources of energy online that were shut down for the season.

Beyond that, we should look at our current energy portfolio and question if this is the best possible arrangement.