A major heat wave is causing record demand in Texas–Monday set a record of 66,867 MW, and Tuesday is expected to set another. 

As a result, the grid operator is asking that people help avoid blackouts by reducing electricity usage between 3 and 7 PM. 

Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. All donations DOUBLED for a limited time. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

Stories like this don’t tell themselves.

Make others like it possible. Your support powers solutions-focused climate reporting — keeping it free for everyone. Give now in under 45 seconds.
Secure · Tax deductible · Takes 45 Seconds

And as of 3:45 PM today, Texas paid $3000 MWh for wholesale electricity.  Yes, three dollars a kilowatt hour.

May I suggest that solar could help with that?  A tracking system would generate very well during that time slot, at a thirtieth of the cost.

To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How

What’s more expensive than solar?  No solar.