BETA
Chapter 1
The birth of an island grid
Chapter 2
How the Texas grid actually works
Chapter 3
The great deregulation experiment
Chapter 4
Under pressure: Extreme weather and the future
YOUR GOAL
Master of The Texas power grid
Ch 2 · How the Texas grid actually works
nic Texas Power Grid
Texas chose its own grid, ERCOT, Stands apart, keeps power here, Avoids federal oversight.
nic Because electricity cannot be easily stored in large quantities, ERCOT must match power generation with usage every second.
nic Texas uses specialized direct-current ties to import and export limited power without legally joining the national grids.
Fun Fact
Speedy current: Electricity travels through power grid transmission lines at nearly the speed of light, roughly 186,000 miles per second.
Glossary
grid (noun)
A network of cables and power stations used to distribute electricity across a region. Managed by ERCOT, the state's independent grid distributes electricity to over 26 million Texas residents.
A network of cables and power stations used to distribute electricity across a region. Managed by ERCOT, the state's independent grid distributes electricity to over 26 million Texas residents.
Quiz
Why would a standard Alternating Current (AC) connection to another state legally change the status of the Texas grid?
Quiz
Approximately how many miles of high-voltage transmission lines are managed within the ERCOT network?
Quiz
What specialized technology does Texas use to import and export power without triggering federal regulations?
Quiz
What must ERCOT grid operators constantly balance in real time to keep the electrical grid stable?
Quiz
What is the primary function of local electrical substations found throughout neighborhoods?
Quiz
In addition to the United States, which neighboring country does the Texas grid connect to via DC ties?