We Must Take Action So This Never Happens To Us Again
Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from statements made online by our Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst Monday night:
No excuses. Just the facts because you/ we deserve it!
No lie… It’s going to be another long night and another long tomorrow; another long day, another winter storm. I’m told that there is literally no wind tonight and of course at night, no solar. Power outages are certain but not because of the wonderful men and women that are keeping powerlines up and operating... instead because of “the grid.”
Today, I have been on numerous phone calls and conference calls with many energy generators/providers, ERCOT, TDEM, STP as well as several county judges and mayors. The attached graphic is very informative regarding wind. But wind and solar are not the only problems we face...it’s not that simple.
There are some simple solutions and action that the Texas Legislature can take immediately. For about a decade, some of us have been questioning the grid diversity; where and who gets incentives. No more talk or “you don’t understand.” The people I represent understand very well!
Many commented on the post last night and many of you are correct: It is a complete breakdown of our grid that could have been avoided. Some of us had mom’s who used to say: “You made a mess, now clean it up!” I agree and that’s what my mom said, too. It’s time to stop with the excuses and take action so this never happens to Texas again. Let’s start with the ideas that
Let’s start with the ideas that some of you have suggested —
1. Stop giving incentives to wind and solar in Texas. They get enough federal tax credits. No more tax giveaways from tax abatements. Renewables should never have grown to 25% of Texas’ portfolio. The reliability is questionable and they don’t create tons of new jobs! Green energy can only supplement the grid not support it.
2. Let’s make sure that every carbon plant (natural gas and coal) has plans for winterizing when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit! This was supposed to be done in 2011…a report was supposed to be given by every plant to the PUC.
My office will be asking for each of these reports ASAP. What went wrong in 2011 and what changes were made?
3. Investigate and ask serious questions regarding the role and purpose of the “Energy Reliability Council of Texas.” When I was in the House of Representatives, I questioned why we needed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and ERCOT? Maybe we should better understand the purpose of ERCOT, why they are paid so much money and who their board members are. Why is the chairman of the board from Michigan?!
4. Let’s build new power plants and let’s build them closer to our urban areas. We produce more natural gas than any other state in the nation. Put it to good use here in Texas with clean carbon generation.
5. Let’s consider non-carbon production like nuclear. South Texas Plant in Matagorda County (right here in Senate District 18) has the ability to build smaller nuclear units that are very effective and modern.
6. My favorite: let’s stop looking and acting like California. Let’s be Texas and not ever let this happen again. Make the corrections and the investments now.
No excuses. The Texas Legislature has to clean this mess up and I believe all 181 members are ready to do so! I look forward to working with you and your suggestions in the coming days, weeks and months.
Both the Senate and the House have called for hearings in the next two weeks. Much more will be discovered and it is imperative we act on behalf of all Texans. There are no more words; there should be no excuses. We are Texas.