Out With the Old, In With the New: How Distributed Solutions Are Upending the Energy Grid Model

Electricity is a vital part of society. For many years, the typical model of ensuring citizens have access to it during peak times has been to overbuild for the worst-case scenario. While peak usage may only come around during a particularly brutal weather event, jurisdictions still have to be prepared for these spikes. After all, if people cannot get electricity, they certainly won’t be happy.

How Texas Is Fighting for Residents as Data Center Sprawl Threatens the Grid

Texas is unique in that it’s the only state in the contiguous U.S. to operate its own independent power grid. Not only does this shield the state from the purview of federal regulations, but it also allows it to rely on its abundant natural resources and ability to generate large amounts of electricity to ensure that residents get the power they need.

The Inner Workings of the New Electric Grid

Energy powers just about everything Americans do. From using a smartphone to working in an office to cooking dinner, nearly every activity requires electricity or some other form of energy.

Texas Area H-E-B and Walmart Stores Are Installing Microgrids for Power Outages

Many Texas residents love the state’s largely temperate climate, but the region isn’t without weather-related issues like hurricanes and cold snaps that impact the power supply. According to one study by Climate Central, Texas has seen more power outages due to weather conditions in the last 23 years than any other state in the nation.