Texas Scorecard by Brandon Waltens February 1, 2023
But despite their failure, Texas taxpayers have been forced to subsidize these failing energy generators.As most of Texas continues to experience freezing temperatures this week, the underperformance of unreliable energy sources like wind and solar are once again raising questions about the state’s dependence on them.
While the Electric Reliability Council of Texas—the entity that oversees Texas’ power grid—says there will be “sufficient generation” to meet demand, the bulk of that power is coming from natural gas.
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, ERCOT reported that 68 percent of energy generation came from natural gas, with coal and lignite coming in second at 19 percent.
Solar accounted for 1 percent, while wind accounted for 3 percent.
Texas wind and solar generators obtained $19.4 billion in taxpayer-funded benefits and subsidies between 2006 and 2019 alone. According to Bill Peacock, an energy policy analyst and researcher, 28 percent of renewable generators’ income came from subsidies in 2018.
Much of that has come from the state’s controversial Chapter 313 corporate welfare program, which allows school districts to offer large tax breaks for 10 years to renewable energy and other businesses, including wind farms.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/unreliable-energy-fails-to-deliver-for-texans/
