Preparing for 2025: Texas Power Grids and Extreme Winter Weather This winter is forecast to bring powerful bouts of cold weather to Texas, the kind that could tax the state’s electric grid in early 2025, according to the grid operator’s chief meteorologist on Tuesday.
It brings back memories of the extreme damage and loss from Storm Uri four years ago. During an ERCOT board meeting, Chris Coleman, chief meteorologist at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said, “We’re in a pattern that supports something like a Uri this winter. The more I look at this winter, the more cold potential I see.”
Winter Storm Uri caused blackouts to millions of homes and businesses across Texas and led to the loss of more than 240 people. The power crisis also prompted Texas to begin overhauling its grid for improved reliability.
Coleman noted the ocean and atmospheric patterns that suggest severe winter weather is on its way similar to early 2021. The blast of cold winter weather also grows the demand for power. On January 16th, Texas saw its largest winter spike at a peak of more than 78,400 megawatts. Five of the last eight winters in Texas saw severe cold periods, while in the last 25 years, only three winters similarly logged extreme cold bouts, according to Coleman.
Cold weather spikes may be increasing in Texas, but average winter temperatures are generally warmer. In fact, last winter was the 11th warmest since 1895. However, you should still prepare yourself and take all necessary precautions to get ready for any severe weather this winter and into early spring, as the weather is always changing in Texas.
