oh man it's gonna take a long time to fix that problem. Hopefully can Texas can find a way to buy more electricity from neighboring states in the meantime.
Electrical grid is strained in many places, other places have power surpluses. Prices have been falling on solar home systems. 10 years ago it cost 50k to get solar panels for your home. Today those same systems with battery storage are 15-20K. Also charging systems are going to eventually incorporate these technologies. Personally I’m waiting for everyone to wake up and realize Internal combustion engines run and burn Hydrogen gas cleanly. People have known this since the 70’s when people were running engines on hydrogen tanks, propane tanks, etc.. No need for a hydrogen fuel cell to make electricity. Of course if anyone pushes it then you’ll start seeing campaigns reminding everyone of Ford Pintos exploding or the Hindenberg.
I don't think it will happen at a snap of a finger, but I think we are getting closer and closer.
I think interest in EV vehicles very low right now. Even at the recent G7 summit they backed away on EV plans.
The concept of an electric vehicle is enticing, but until somebody comes up with a better storage (battery) solution, I'll pass. And the recharge power has to come from somewhere.
As it stands today electric cars are a boondoggle being pushed by clueless politicians, there is little actual market demand for them. I'm personally unwilling to buy an electric car or to install solar panels.
The entire energy sector sucks here. It is privatized and separate from the national grids. So they can charge what they want, when they want, where they want, how they want and our puppet governor will sign anything they say.
People died frozen in their armchairs down here last winter. We were promised improvements would be made. Progress? Absolutely zero.
FYI: Texas is the only state to have a privatized energy grid. Stupid, stupid idea.
ok educate me on the matter
1.
I looks to me like the rates you pay are charged by a number of competing providers who bring power to your home: https://www.choosetexaspower.org/electricity-providers/
If you don't like them, can you not switch providers?
2.
There is no monolithic federal grid, but rather a handful of interconnected networks
3.Texas state power infrastructure is managed by a not-for-profit council called ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas). ERCOT membership is made of consumers, electric cooperatives, generators, power marketers, retail electric providers, investor-owned electric utilities (transmission and distribution providers), and municipally owned electric utilities
The ERCOT CEO was fired after the incident you speak of. Hopefully ERCOT members choose somebody better.
Certainly Texans should elect a governor whose platform includes more emphasis on power infrastructure.
"So they can charge what they want, when they want"
that's what government operated monopolies do... not private providers who have to compete in a market.
Here is just one example of what bills during the freeze looked like: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/us/texas-storm-electric-bills.amp.html%3f0p19G=0232
1. Sure, you can change providers. But they are all in it together so you basically just pick who you want to pay, not how much.
2. The energy market here....I could go on for days about how the setup is a disaster.
3. ERCOT is a joke and this is Texas. People here never vote in their own interest.
Texas in a nutshell:
1. Guns
2. Short bald guys in lifted trucks (we call them the Intimidation Patrol because they are infamous for tailgating everyone)
3. Guns
4. Fake cowboys
5 thru 1,000. Guns.
Theres no incentive for energy companies to invest in improving their equipment, so they don't. They pocket the profits and if it gets really hot, or really cold, they tell people "That sucks....our bad." and that's it.
And I just lost power while typing that. {black}:afraid:
ok it sounds like you're suggesting that power providers are colluding and operating a racket, which is illegal. Is there any evidence of this? I still don't understand how it would better if only ONE of them offered services. What would motivate them to give you better rates?
the rest of your argument sounds like a lot of stereotypification and deflection. I find Texans very kind and hospitable.
I think there's a huge profit incentive for energy companies to build more power generating infrastructure. Open it up to bids.
Hopefully the recent disaster will highlight the issues, and encourage voters to be more active.
Oh no....I think you may misunderstand as I agree with you on this. I'm NOT for a monopoly whatsoever. Choices means competition which means better prices, I admit and agree. What I'm saying is happening is what you suggested: they are price-fixing the market so that the competition doesn't occur. There was widespread evidence of that during the freeze as Texas purchased tons of energy...nearly all...from outside state lines. Some companies bought for cheap, but then sold to the consumers for very high prices. Most suppliers didn't notify customers there would be a cost increase, or how much that increase may be, until after the fact. That's where my issue lies as I don't believe that is fair practice. The governor promised to look into the matter, but nothing was ever done. He's pretty prone to that behavior on certain issues.
I see. Well they definitely need to be held accountable for that.
I've lived here my whole life nearly. Some stereotypes exist for a reason, and that of your typical Texan is absolutely true. I've never met one I've liked and can't wait to leave here. Southern hospitality is non-existent.
They are putting a bill on the governor's desk, that he is all too anxious to sign, that will allow permitless carry here...no training, no background checks, nothing. Basically, back to the wild west. Which is essentially the stereotype people think of when they think of Texas.
Granted, I've hated living here since day one but you go where you have to sometimes in order to keep your job. The people are just one aspect....its also far too hot down here for me. I'm a cold weather person.
Sorry for the double post and posting in the wrong place. I'm on my WiFi and the power is single phasing. {black}:sad:
Off the WiFi now so this should post right. Back on topic though, I don't think electric cars are the answer. I know we don't/won't know for some time, but my money is on Hydrogen. I see that as a better approach and Germany has already proven the infrastructure can be done. Infrastructure will be a problem in America for any new energy source as we overspend consistently on military and under spend on the infrastructure that we have. So where the billions of dollars it would take to put in a good infrastructure for energy or hydrogen, or whatever, would come from remains to be seen.
I'm going to stop before this goes too far into left field.
Suffice it to say, I would trade places with you in a heartbeat.
No worries Joe I gotcha. I was playing above board I thought, so if I said anything too much I apologize. I get into my conversations sometimes with too much gusto. I've been working on reeling that back. Was a good chat though, and so you know I 100% understand that to some this is paradise. It's just not for me is all I was saying. Cheers to you....I'd still buy you a beer and respect your opinion regardless.. {blackemo}:hotdrink:
Likewise. I appreciate your point of view here mod_man. I hope your power situation gets sorted out soon. Hey maybe you could move to TN like Scotty. I bet it would really make his day to drive one of your sports cars. He could send some business your way too 😉
I wish. Every time he shoots a video and there's snowfall...man. I'm sorry, but I love that weather. Pretty country out that way, and I could make some pretty sweet stuff since they have no inspections. {black}:cool: