Cheap wind power ????

[chuckChuck]

"The Texas Association of Business) states that not only does renewable energy contribute greatly to our state’s economy – including a remarkable forecast of $16.7 billion in local tax revenue – it also benefits residents and businesses when it comes to energy prices. Estimates made in 2022 predicted that ERCOT market costs will decrease by up to $11 billion per year, thanks to new renewable energy production."

[chuckChuck]

Why Is Electricity So Expensive in Texas (and What to Do About It)?

If you’ve ever wondered why the cost of electricity seems to be going up, you're not alone. We'll explain some of the factor that play a role in the increased prices, including how extreme weather and high demand can put a strain on the grid. We'll also highlight a few steps you can take to get the most for your money.

Deregulation for Lower Prices

In 2002, the state deregulated energy, opening up the door for competition among electric providers to offer the best plans and prices. The logic was that this would mean lower costs for residents and businesses alike, giving customers greater control and choice when it comes to their provider.

Even so, the average price of electricity has increased since deregulation; in 2022 it hit an all time high and continues to remain elevated, although it has dropped some since peaking two years ago. However, 2024 rates are trending up.

Population Growth and Increased Demand
One major influence on these overall hikes have been the growing demand for energy resulting from the tremendous influx of people moving to our state. Year over year, more people are moving to Texas than any other state, except for Florida.
Since 2000, our population increased by more than 50%, from around 20 million to more than 30 million. So the demand for energy has never been higher. This has put pressure on energy generation companies to keep up with demand, while also putting strain on the grid.

[url]https://www.gotrhythm.com/blog/energy-saving-tips/why-is-electricity-so-expensive-in-texas-and-what-to-do-about-it[/url]

Reliance on Natural Gas
More than 40% of our state’s electricity is produced from power plants fired by natural gas, so the wholesale cost of power is closely linked to that of natural gas. Natural gas prices started rising in 2020, and as manufacturing processes kicked back into full gear post-pandemic, prices went even higher.

Additionally, geopolitical events like Russia’s war against Ukraine play a part internationally, as European nations are looking to source natural gas from places other than Russia.
However, natural gas prices have since dropped, actually hitting historical lows, and
According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), 41% of our energy generation from natural gas, nuclear, and coal power comes from generating plants and equipment that are more than thirty years old. This infrastructure is particularly susceptible to inclement weather.
On a grid that's already struggling to meet demand, when extreme weather events like record hot or cold take place, it puts additional strain on the grid. Couple that with scheduled maintenance and downtime for certain facilities, keep the grid intact is an ongoing challenge. This is why it's paramount for generation facilities--traditional and renewable--to weatherize their infrastructure and facilities to get ahead of these extreme weather events.

Regulatory Changes Since Winter Storm Uri
During Winter Storm Uri in February of 2021, half of the natural gas power plants went offline and electricity prices skyrocketed; in the days following, a number of retail electricity providers (REPs) faced extreme financial hardship. In response, regulatory changes were made, namely shifting the market cap for wholesale electricity markets from $9,000/MWh to $5,000/MWh. This can increase the likelihood of price spikes, which can lead to higher trading values, particularly for shorter term wholesale energy.

The Impact of Renewable Energy and Helps Offset Higher Rates
Among renewable energy sources in Texas, wind power is the most produced, actually leading the entire country in wind energy generation.
According to a study referenced in the Dallas News ([url]https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2022/10/18/study-solar-and-wind-energy-saved-texas-customers-more-than-7-billion-in-2022-so-far/[/url]), in 2022 solar and wind energy saved consumers over $7 billion, due to the lower operating costs of wind and solar projects compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power plants. And the Texas Association of Business states that not only does renewable energy contribute greatly to our state’s economy – including a remarkable forecast of $16.7 billion in local tax revenue – it also benefits residents and businesses when it comes to energy prices. Estimates made in 2022 predicted that ERCOT market costs will decrease by up to $11 billion per year, thanks to new renewable energy production.

[chuckChuck]

Saskatchewan has much lower costs electricity than Alberta as well. Both have significant amounts of renewables.

Deregulation and with holding supply have been driving prices higher in deregulated Alberta according to Alberta economists who study the Alberta electricity market.

In Texas and Alberta's deregulated market, very low prices from renewables are helping to keep prices lower.

[shtferbrains]

I'm not clear on your message this morning Chuck?
You post an article from a buisness lobby stating deregulation will lower prices but supply and demand makes prices increase and renewables are required to meet demand because gas plants are aging out?

You do know that renewable energy projects are built by mostly start up investment groups that contract at higher"green" pricing.
They get investment by promoting available subsidies and emphasize tax deductions provided by all levels of government.
You know there are billions being spent on subsidies?

Berkshire Hathaway has been building wind farms primarily to get the tax credits that they use to avoid paying any tax on the rest of their investments.

First Lazards Investments Bank and now the Texas Buisness group.
You're coming around Chuck.

Join many of your NDP friends and vote for Poilievre next election.

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Chuck seems to have taken a page right out of Catherine McKenna's playbook. If you repeat the misinformation enough times, if you say it loud enough, Chuck starts to believe it must be true.

In spite of having debunked his supposed evidence of cheaper wind and solar power, Chuck just keeps reposting the same article over and over adding bold face type to make it louder and louder.

[furrowtickler]

I will take Warren Buffets advice over anything posted from the chuckster

[chuckChuck]

So A5 did you debunk Sask Powers real world claims that wind and solar are the lowest cost sources per Kwh?

Nope! Show us the numbers that prove Sask power wrong!

But don't let that stop you from repeating your stubborn lies!

And costs for wind and solar have fallen a lot since Warren Buffet first took advantage of the tax credits.

And the oil industry gets a lot of subsidies and tax credits too! But you remain strangely silent on those? LOL

And tax credits in Ag Processing too? Supported by none other than Danny Smith and the UCP who don't like tax credits for renewables! They only like jobs and investment if it suits their ideology! Just like A5 and friends on Agrisilly!

"P&H Milling Group — a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited is building $241 million facility in the Red Deer County hamlet of Springbrook, with $27.3 million of that to come from the Province of Alberta’s Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program for Alberta’s food processing industry.

“P&H Milling Group’s new flour mill project is proof our Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program is doing its job to attract large-scale investments in value-added agricultural manufacturing,” said Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.
“With incentives like the ag tax credit, we’re providing the right conditions for processors to invest in Alberta, expand their business and help stimulate our economy.”

[shtferbrains]

Why Natural Gas?

• We’re committed to achieving a net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions power system by 2050 or sooner. Natural gas produces less than half of the GHG emissions of traditional coal and it supports the addition of more renewable energy like solar and wind power to the grid.
• To meet federal government regulations, we need to retire over 1,400 megawatts (MW) of conventional coal generation by 2030. Natural gas is the only supply option we have currently available to build at the scale we need for our energy transition and future growth.
• Natural gas provides reliable power and an ideal back-up to wind and solar. It can be designed to quickly start or ramp up as needed when less wind or solar power is available

From the Sask Power website

Key statements;

"To meet federal government regulations"

" Natural gas is the only supply option we have currently available to build at the scale we need for our energy transition and future growth."

[fjlip]

Best to say Phuck the fed regulations made up bullshyt lies

[shtferbrains]

You have no choice. You have to do it because the government makes you?

I hear that all the time.

When they say "you have no choice " and believe it it's a waste of time talking to them.

Sheep.

[chuckChuck]

The oil industry gets a lot of subsidies and tax credits too! But you remain strangely silent on those?

[furrowtickler]

The oil industry gets a lot of subsidies and tax credits too! But you remain strangely silent on those?

I don’t think they should get what they do but on the other hand they create a massive amount of wealth and 10’s of thousands of jobs so hard to justify not incentivizing industries that do that , much like ag

[furrowtickler]

Reality again

[chuckChuck]

Nuclear the most expensive option that includes 1000s of years of radioactive waste storage.

[AlbertaFarmer5]

Nuclear the most expensive option that includes 1000s of years of radioactive waste storage.

Except in the real world, where, for example, Germany with wind and solar has electricity prices almost 70% higher than France using nuclear, and Germany has much higher CO2 emissions.