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Showing posts from January, 2025

Texas Electric Consumers May Lose Federal Energy Rebates

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Will Texans Get Federal Energy Rebates? Texans wanting to invest in energy saving appliances could get help from $689 million in federal energy rebates. But the new Trump administration may stop the program in a few weeks, instead. Texans could miss out on money that helps make energy upgrades cheaper. These federal energy rebates were created under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Texas has asked for over $689 million to help homeowners buy efficient appliances, insulate homes, and save on their bills. But political changes might stop these rebates. Without them, Texas electricity customers may pay more for upgrades and face higher utility bills.  What the Federal Energy Rebates Offer The rebates help people lower their energy use and save money. They offer discounts on better appliances, insulation, and other home upgrades . For example, you could get help buying heat pumps, electric stoves, or insulation. The rebates help cut your costs to upgrade your home's energy efficie...

Texas Exploring Small Nuclear Tech to Keep Lights On

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Will Small Nuclear Tech Help Power Texas? While small nuclear tech combined with micrgrids may be the carbon-free power source for Texas, big questions about safety and regulation remain. Texans know the challenges of keeping the power running during extreme weather. As demand for Texas electricity surges, state leaders seek solutions to stabilize the grid. Small nuclear tech is an option gaining attention. These new systems could help meet the energy needs of homes, businesses, crypto miners, and data centers. However, there’s much to figure out. Upping the use of nuclear power has far reaching implications for Texas. This could be a game changer for the Lone Star State.  What Is Small Nuclear Tech? Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a safer and more flexible alternative to traditional nuclear plants. Unlike large reactors, SMRs are compact and designed to operate on microgrids . They make less energy overall but can power local areas, making them ideal for data centers, h...

ERCOT Winter Watch, Cold Coming to Test Texas Grid

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Is the ERCOT Grid Winter Ready? It's going to get cold. The polar vortex is coming to ERCOT to test its winter readiness. Learn what you can expect and how to prepare for the big chill this weekend without going broke. The cold is coming! A polar vortex could hit Texas this weekend, bringing freezing temps across the state. ERCOT recommends that Texans prepare for the winter chill. Homeowners and businesses should gear up for lower temperatures and rising Texas electricity demand. ERCOT says the grid is ready to handle the freeze. According to their latest updates, power plants have been inspected, and extra reserves are on standby. The ERCOT dashboard shows that supply should meet demand, even if the cold snap lasts for days. CenterPoint Energy and other power companies are making their own preparations. In Houston, crews are ready to respond to outages and other emergency plans are in place. However, while the grid looks prepared , Texans should take steps to avoid strain...